Edward ZERA

ZERA, Edward

Edward Zera passed away peacefully on August 04, 2013 at Hartford Hospital, surrounded by family in the hours before his death. He was born in Suffield, CT on July 24, 1928 as the youngest of five children to Polish immigrants, Frederick and Phelixz (Lodega) Zera. He was predeceased by his parents, by his brother, Alphonse Zera, and by his sisters, Nell Letitia, Marian Tower and Lena Delnickas, as well as by his wife of twenty-seven years, Frances (Luchina) Zera and his partner and companion of twenty-seven years, Theresa Shapleigh. Ed graduated from Suffield High School; he enlisted in the Air National Guard and he served during the Korean War. Following his military service, he had some schooling at the University of Connecticut in drafting, engineering and design, as part of an apprenticeship program at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. In 1955, Ed married Frances (Luchina) Zera; they raised five daughters in East Hartford, CT. Ed worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and at Hamilton Standard as a tool designer. In 1968 he began his own business, All Year Maintenance Service, a landscaping and snow removal business that served clients largely in the Manchester, CT area. In 1992 he and Terri moved to Cocoa Beach, FL for several years and later they settled in Lantana, FL. He loved the warm climate in Florida, the ocean, seeing manatees, parakeets and pelicans. Ed had an independent spirit, sparkling blue eyes, a goofy sense of humor and he was gifted in the ability to find simple solutions to complex construction problems or landscaping issues. Ed is survived by his sister, Stacia Carlton of North Adams, MA. He leaves his five daughters: Dr. Deborah Zera (Nancy Richman) of Bloomington, IN; Linda Zera of Manchester, CT; Christine Pagano (Bill) of Manchester, CT; Cynthia Asselin (Allan Berube) of Hebron, CT and Karen Zera (Mary Soucey) of Storrs, CT. He leaves five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. As the youngest in his family, Ed was known as "Sonny" based upon a popular song from that time. I expect his departed parents and siblings are singing to him now from Sonny Boy: Climb upon my knee Sonny Boy Though you're only three Sonny Boy You've got no way of knowing There's no way of showing What you mean to me Sonny Boy. He was deeply loved. Donations can made in his honor and to his memory to the Alzheimer's Association of Connecticut, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or www.alz.org/ct

To express condolences and/or make donations: Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries