Joseph Andrew Zeitler

ZEITLER-Joseph Andrew, of Huntington, NY, on August 9, 2006. Beloved husband of Margaret M. "Meg" (deceased) for 61 years. Loving father of James (Nancy), Kathy Wiz (Muriel Hogan), Paul (Deb), David (Colleen), Anne Marie Balzer (Chip), the late Peter and the late Joseph. Adored grandfather of Christopher, Aileen, Matthew, Colleen, Meghan, Meghan, Brian, Brendan, Joe, Amanda, Chris, Erin, Sean, Pete, Ryan, Brianne, Kyle and Casey. Cherished great grandfather of Kellie, James, Kate and Michaela. Joe was born in Brooklyn, NY, 7/21/1918. He graduated from St. Michael's HS in Brooklyn (presently Xaverian HS) in 1936. He was an outstanding athlete in swimming, baseball and especially track. Joe won the 1935 National Championship for the 880 yard run at Madison Square Garden. After high school he continued his stellar track career at Manhattan College on a full 4 year scholarship. During WW II, 1st Lt. Joseph Zeitler served in the US Army Air Corps, stationed in Bombay, India. Lt. Zeitler was athletic director in charge of troop morale. After his discharge from the service, Joe taught physical education and coached track at NYC's St. Ann's Academy (presently Archbishop Molloy HS) until 1954. He then taught elementary school in the Port Washington School District until his retirement in 1980. Through the years he continued to make significant contributions to the sport of track and field, coaching first at St. Mary's HS in Manhasset (1954-1961) and then at Port Washington HS (1961- 1980). He concluded his coaching career by sharing his track expertise at Cold Spring Harbor HS and Half Hollow Hills HS. During his summers from 1946 - 1969, 'Uncle Joe' was the program director at Pinecrest Dunes Camp in Peconic, NY. Visitation will be Sunday 2-5 and 7-9 PM at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave, Huntington Station. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 11 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Greenlawn.