Earl Abram Zimmerman

1937 - 2023

Zimmerman, Earl Abram
LOUDONVILLE - Dr. Earl A. Zimmerman, born in Harrisburg, Pa., on May 5, 1937, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
He was predeceased by his parents, Earl B. Zimmerman and Hazel Myers Zimmerman; sister, Betty Zimmerman; and loving wife, Jody Hall Zimmerman. Earl is survived by his children, David Andrew Zimmerman and Sarah (James) Mayo; his stepchildren, William (Dana) Rousmaniere and Dana (Marinell) Rousmaniere; and grandchildren, Julia, Liam, Charlie, Tripp and Jack Rousmaniere, and Elliana Mayo. He is also survived by siblings, Reverend Sara Zimmerman, and Dr. Andrew Zimmerman; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
Earl was born to parents who were raised on Mennonite farms. Both his mother and father were the first generation who chose to leave the hard labor of subsistence farms. For Earl, early life at home produced a somber ethic and an emphasis on working hard- something he utilized throughout his life and career. Earl described himself as pushing the endless stone up the hill ever since and he did so until his dying day. A brilliant student, he was inspired at a young age by a family doctor and that led him to stumble into Franklin and Marshall college, truly a happy accident, on the way to his dream of becoming a doctor.
Earl often recalled his time at Franklin Marshall fondly. He described it as the place and time where he learned how to study, to explore his mind and to work alongside others towards greatness. He continued his education in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. By age 35, he earned the youngest tenured professorship in Columbia University history. He was revered for his clinical skills and scientific prowess. He had a gift for running research labs, found joy in training the next generation of doctors, and cherished seeing patients at Columbia University in NYC, Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon and Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y. Among his greatest accomplishments were his breakthrough research in neuroendocrinology and pioneering award-winning Alzheimer's and dementia programs. A master diagnostician, Dr. Zimmerman found pleasure in discovering the root causes of his patients' condition and in being able to cure it, manage it or find someone to collaborate with about it. His brilliance and commitment to an early and accurate diagnosis, even in the most complex of cases, positively impacted the course of disease for many. He kept track of those complex cases in order to educate other medical providers and someday, write that book. Dr. Zimmerman will also be remembered for his emphasis on the importance of holistic, patient-centered care and support for the caregivers. He often said that "he helped many and, in the end, that was payment enough." By the time of his passing, Earl Zimmerman, regarded as one of the top Alzheimer's and Dementia doctors in the Northeast.
Earl was deeply devoted to his late wife, Jody, his children, and tending to his garden. He often gifted his prized heirloom tomatoes to his friends and colleagues and was known for sharing his love of good food and wine, his zest for life and witty humor. A dear one, Earl will be missed immensely.
The family would like to thank the many dedicated healthcare professionals, especially those from the Terrace at Beverwyck and Eddy Village Green Cohoes, and dear friends, Nancy Cummings and Beth Boivin, for their tireless care and support.
Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside internment service on Friday December 29, 2023, at 3 p.m., at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 2501 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Niskayuna, N.Y. 12309, and a Celebration of Life, followed by a small reception, which will be held on February 10, 2024 at First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12206.
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Zimmerman requested donations be made to either the Anne B. And Leon J. Goldberg Alzheimer's Research Program at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12208, Attn: Nancy Cummings or the Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern N.Y. Chapter, 1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, N.Y. 12054.
Arrangements were entrusted to A.G. Boivin's Sons Funeral Home and Director, Paul Marra.