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Charles Zimmerman Obituary
Dr. Zimmerman was born October 11, 1938, in Hartford, CT, and was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Horton and Beatrice Fitz Zimmerman, and his brother, Craig Skillings Zimmerman.
Dr. Zimmerman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Thompson Zimmerman; his daughter, Mary Fitz "Polly" Zimmerman Leck and her husband, Todd E. Leck, of Raleigh, NC; two sons, Charles Horton Zimmerman III of Richmond, VA, and Craig Brock Zimmerman of Los Angeles, CA; two granddaughters, Sarah Elizabeth Leck and Margaret Ann Leck, both of Raleigh, NC; a niece,Amy Zimmerman Geyer and her husband, David Wilbur Geyer, and their children, David Wilbur Geyer Jr., Emily Craig Geyer and Amanda Rose Geyer, all of Sterling, VA.
A funeral service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Hampton on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, at 1:00 p.m.
The family will receive visitors between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton.
Instead of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. John's Episcopal Church or H.E.L.P.
Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA, 757-825-8070.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Zimmerman
Molly Riggins Sandridge
September 18, 2007
To Elizabeth and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your great loss. Kenton called to tell us the sad news. I tried to find your address to write you a personal note and was not able to do so. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Shawn O'Connor & Family
September 9, 2007
To the Zimmerman Family,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Zimmerman. He was a great man that I had the opportunity to work with at Hampton General several times in Radiology/CT. He also was a good neighbor in Wythe and would always yell hello as he drove by in his car on the way home from work and compliment on the way our yard looked. His mom was a good neighbor as well. He was a great man with a great spirit, he was always very positive minded at work. We will keep you in our prayers. Sincerely,
Stephanie Smith
September 7, 2007
I was so sad to learn of Dr. Zimmerman's passing. He was the BEST doctor I have ever had. There was just something about him that made him special. Perhaps it was is bedside manner. He seemed to really get that patients dont like to be treated as if they are a file. I was a patient for about 20 years until he retired.
September 7, 2007
My condolences and prayers go out to the entire Zimmerman family. I worked with Dr. Zimmerman in L&D at Hampton General and Sentara Careplex Hospitals. He was one of the best OB doctors I have ever worked with in my 21 years of working L&D. May God bless him!!!! He's in Heaven riding his Harley.
-Susan Campbell-Skelly, RN
Alan Cohen
September 6, 2007
There have been but a handful of men I've known whom I could honestly and with certainty call a gentleman. Chuck was such a man and truly won my respect.
Michelle (Gardner) Brann and family
September 5, 2007
Chip and Family: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Deepest sympathies, Michelle,Jim, Jacob and Alex Brann
September 5, 2007
Dear Zimmerman Family,
Just another former patient, writing to send my condolences. Dr. Zimmerman was the first face both of my children ever saw, and I was thrilled that he was my Dr for 24 years. While I was sad to know he was retiring, he deserved the time with his family, and his leisure. May God Bless you all at this very difficult time.
Vicky Carty
September 4, 2007
To the Zimmerman Family:
I was shocked to hear of Dr. Zimmerman's passing as he always seemed invincible. He was my dr. for over 28 yrs. and he was so easy going and very pleasant to know as a remarkable human being. You could sit in his office and see all his family pictures and immediately see his love for his family. I hated to see him retire,but was glad he had the opportunity to enjoy the time he had with his family and enjoy sailing and riding his motorcycle.
May God bless each and everyone of you during this most difficult time and we will all someday meet again.
AliceMarie Jenkins
September 4, 2007
To the Zimmerman family- I was saddened to read of your loss. Dr Zimmerman took care of me for over 30 years. This man delivered my beautiful son. I last saw Dr Zimmerman Dec 2004 at my visit when he told me he was retiring. Needless to say I cried on my way home. Of all the doctor's I ever had, I must say he was top of the list with compassion for his patients. Years ago I was going through some trials in my life and asked him for something to help me sleep. His reply to me was "I would never prescribe sleep medication for my wife and I'll not prescribe it for you." Instead he recommended exercise. I always admired him for that. I started exercising and riding my bike. After that we would always talk "exercise" when I would visit him for my yearly exam. Going to the practice now has never been the same and never will. But, I'll look forward to seeing his face in heaven whenever God decides to call me there. And, I'm sure Dr Zimmerman is riding his bicycle on those streets of gold. May our Lord comfort you and your family during this difficult time.
Don Jones
September 4, 2007
Mrs. Zimmerman and Family,
We are so saddened to hear about your loss. Dr. Zimmerman delivered our daughter, Brittany Slate-Jones, on November 8, 1990 at Hampton (Sentara) General Hospital. We lived for 11+ years just around the corner from you all on Wythe Crescent Drive before moving to Florida. I admired Dr. Zimmerman for his professionalism and humane demeanor - and his dedication to health and fitness (I was the former Director of the Sentara Hampton Health & Fitness Center). Please know that he is much admired and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
September 4, 2007
To the Zimmerman family prayers are with you.your husband and father was a wonderful doctor and so kind to his patients.I was a nurse on the floor where he made rounds on his patients with the utmost kindness.Please feel blessed to have had him in your life and he is still always in your hearts.He was a great doctor.
Camisha Corporan
September 4, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to you during your time of grief. I went to school with Craig, but my story with Dr. Zimmerman began after that. My doctor referred me to his practice to handle a life-threatening situation. Although he was not my treating physician, he remembered me from the Drama Club. He came to see me during my recovery to speak words of encouragement. I have never forgotten that he remembered me and cared enough to offer hope. Know that your family is loved by many near and far.
joseph rowe
September 4, 2007
dear Elizabeth, i was shocked, saddened and very sorry to hear about chuck. he was a hail fellow, well met, and one of my most favorite people. now i wish for you, not the end, but a new beginning, filled with happiness and love. i think you are a brave, loyal,, faithful and supportive woman. i believe that you, going forward, deserve the very best...Joseph Rowe
eileen gately
September 4, 2007
May God be with your family during this most difficult time.
Dr. Zimmerman was my ob/gyn from
1972 til he retired. I was newly married & he was so very patient & kind. He delivered my 2 children by c section & talked me thru the entire procedure.
I was so disappointed when he told
me he was retiring; but happy for him.
He was always patient,gentle & ready to listen. He never rushed his patients out of the office.
I know he has a special place in heaven.
Susan Fredrickson
September 4, 2007
Dear Betsy and Family,
I am one of 2 surviving cousins from the Fitz family now. I was called by cousin Eileen Swope in CA. She told me about Chuck's passing. I talked to him last when his mother died.
My heart goes out to you and your family and please know that you are in my prayers.
It is indeed a small world. I live in the US Virgin Islands and one of my neighbors is from Hampton. Her sons were delivered by Chuck's practice! She had wonderful things to say about him.
Susan Fitz Fredrickson
Lisa Parker-Patterson
September 4, 2007
To the Zimmerman Family
May God bless you and your family. Dr Zimmerman was a great OB/GYN MD. He served 3 generations in my family and took very good care of us. When my mom had her surgery and we were visiting her he knew exactly who we were. It really made us feel special because we knew he had a lot of patients but we felt like we were the only ones.
God Bless You All!
Parker-Patterson Family
Wendy Belcher
September 4, 2007
Elizabeth and family, Chris and I were so very sorry to hear about Chuck. I know that Dad was very much looking forward to seeing you both during the upcoming trip to St. Louis. May God's comfort be with you all during this time. We will be praying for you. As a fellow physician, it is so wonderful to see how much Chuck's patients appreciated his kindness and dedication to them. I hope he knew that. In our thoughts, Dr. Wendy Belcher (Zimmerman) and family.
Kim S. (Zimmerman) Goff
September 4, 2007
Elizabeth and family,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. I am glad we were able to visit with you at the last Zimmerman Family Reunion. Please take care.
Cheryl Engebretson
September 4, 2007
Dr. Zimmerman was my doctor for over 20 years. When I had difficulty conceiving my second child, it was him who helped me deal with that issue. He was also there to deliver that son. How thrilled I was. I thought he was the best. I still go to the practice, but it hasn't been the same since he retired. Please accept my condolences in your loss.
Sheri Wheeler
September 4, 2007
To Mrs. Zimmerman and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your great loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Dr. Zimmerman was such a nice man. I had the honor of working with him at the Careplex and Hamp. General while I was working in L&D as their surgical tech. He will be greatly missed and if there is anything I can do to help you or your family please let me know. May God be with you and bless your family and comfort you in your time of need.
Betsy Russell
September 4, 2007
Dear Dr. Zimmerman's Family,
Dr. Zimmerman was the best doctor I have ever had. He delivered my first born in 1980 and helped make it one of the best experiences in my husbands and my life. He took very good care of me throughout my life. When he let me know he was retiring I was crying so much that he walked me out the side door so I didn't have to walk through the waiting for people to see me. He will be truly missed. Sincerely, Betsy B. Russell
Donald Taylor
September 3, 2007
I taught Chuck World History at HHS - taught Craig too and enjoyed having their parents as parents at school. He will be sorely missed in Hampton and I send my sincere condolences to Elizabeth and family.
Kathye douglas
September 3, 2007
Thirty one years ago and newly wed, I arrived in Hampton needing to be seen by an Ob-Gyn Specialist. New to this area and with no knowledge of local doctors, I found Dr. Zimmerman in the phone directory. I was initially impressed by Dr. Zimmerman's warm and caring approach and decided that he would remain my doctor. And 28 years (and 3 sons) later, I realize how very fortunate for me to have found this wonderful doctor. I was very disappointed when he retired, but today am very thankful that he had this time for himself and his family and grateful for all the good care that he gave me.
September 3, 2007
Elizabeth and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. I was saddened to hear about Dr. Zimmerman passing. He brought my children into the world and helped me through some very tough times. I will always remember him for his caring and loving bedside manner, and how he always put his patients first no matter what.
He will truly be missed.
Sincerely, Violet McTaggart
Deborah Angel
September 3, 2007
Mrs. Zimmerman and family, You don't know me but I was a patient of Dr.Z's for about 25 years. On Sept.first 1995,he delivered my beautiful daughter(Sarah)on a very stormy night when he wasn't even on call.Having him there after a very difficult labor meant more to me than I can ever say. I also had the honor of taking care of many of his patients over the years as a nurse at the old hospital. There was never a time when "Dr.Z"didn't treat the nursing staff with the utmost respect. He had a special way of making you feel appreciated for just doing your job.He was truly one of the finest people I have ever known.My very deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you and your family.
Suanne Massey
September 3, 2007
To The Charles Zimmerman Family,
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Zimmerman's passing. He was an unusually kind man, generous with his time as well as his heart. He sponsored the Medical Explorers group which I belonged to at HHS from '76 to '79. Dr. Zimmerman was a great influence and always encouraging mentor to us. I am forever grateful for the time he invested in the group as well as the wisdom and guidance he provided for me. May God be with and provide comfort to you during this most difficult time. Please know that Dr. Zimmerman lives on in ways both large and small through the many lives he touched.
Suanne Massey, LCSW
James West Mathieson
September 3, 2007
Dear Elizabeth and family; Joan joins me in sending you our heartfelt and most sincere sympathy. Chuck was such a great guy and so alive with joyful and boundless enthusiasm for life. It is hard to think of that huge place he occupied being empty now that he is gone from all our lives. We will pray for him to grow from strength to strength in perfect service to God. And we will pray for your family as you grieve for his loss in the days and months ahead. Chuck's life was a life well lived. Thanks be to God. With love, Jim Mathieson
KIM WADE-HOPKINS
September 3, 2007
TO THE FAMILY OF DR ZIMMERMAN,
I AM SO VERY HEART FELT SAD IN THE PASSING OF DR ZIMMERMAN. DR ZIMMERMAN WAS MY OB/GYN FOR 15 YEARS. HE DELIVERED MY SON AND TOOK SUCH DEDICATED CARE OF ME DURING THIS TIME UNTIL HIS RETIREMENT. I WAS ABLE TO COUNT ON DR ZIMMERMAN DURING A VERY SCARY TIME IN MY LIFE AND THANKS TO DR ZIMMERMAN I AM HERE TODAY. GOD BLESS HIM WHEN HE WAS HERE ON EARTH AND NOW THAT HE IS IN HEAVEN. MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS MOST SPECIAL TIME OF NEED.
Julie Hallberg
September 3, 2007
Dr. Zimmerman brought me into the world in 1980. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends.
Cheryl Riley and Family
September 3, 2007
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family in the loss of Dr. Zimmerman. He was my OB/GYN for 19 years until his retirement and his was the first face that both of my children saw when they came into the world. He was the most compassionate and dedicated doctor that I have ever had the experience of knowing. Dr. Zimmerman was a wonderful man and will be truly missed by all who had the priviledge of knowing him.
Mary Lou (Groome) Miller
September 3, 2007
To the Zimmerman family: I was sadden to read of Chuck's passing. We want you to know that you are in our prayers and thoughts at this time. I am sure I can speak for the entire HHS Class of 1956 conveying our sympathy to all of you at this time. Mary Lou (Groome) Miller, Class of 1956.
Paul Etheridge
September 2, 2007
My heartfelt prayers go out to you in your time of sorrow. May God bless you and comfort you.
Liberty Rigdon
September 2, 2007
I remember Dr. Zimmerman when I was just new to the practice. My car broke down and he stayed with me until my husband arrived. He is one of the best doctors I worked with. Right after he retired, some of his patients would call the office and make appointments to see him, and when we informed them he already retired, some of them cried and one of them even said she's not going to get pregnant again because Dr. Zimmerman's not practicing anymore. When I gave birth, he even visited me at the hospital which really surprised me that he'll go all the way just to express his congratulations to me. Right after his nurse resigned, I would volunteer to work on my off days just to work with him. He's a very easy Dr. to work with. I was so shocked and very sad when I learned of his passing away, but I find comfort that he is with our Lord now watching over us.
Sue Clark
September 2, 2007
To Mrs. Zimmerman and family, I am so sorry about your horrific loss. He was a wonderful man and was loved by so many. He was a pleasure to work for all those years and I will truly miss him. He truly was a gentleman and a class act. Please known that all of you are in my prayers. I know what a tremendous loss this world will feel with him gone. Sincerely, Sue Clark (I was his sonographer for 20 years).
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