John Zolner

RAVENA John Zolner, 85, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 after a long illness at the VA Medical Center, Albany, with his loving family by his side. John had lived in Ravena all his life and, in his later years, wintered at his home in Naples, Fla. John was the manager of Hudson River Concrete for 25 years and, in 1986, he retired from Marshall's Garage after 15 years of service. Serving during World War II in the Army Air Force as captain, John was shot down over Germany in 1944 and evaded capture with the help of the underground, eventually escaping to Switzerland. John was a former member of the Ravena Fire Co., member of the Mason F&AM, bowled in the Tuesday bowling league on the Raco Rams and played on the Senior Golf League. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Marshall Zolner of Ravena; his children, Terry (Michael) Darland of Larchmont, N.Y., John W. Zolner of Niverville (Claire Roberts), Cynthia (Scott) Shear of Ravena and Wendy (Joseph) Neri of Loudonville; grandchildren, Phillip and Madison Darland, Zachary and Trevor Zolner and Koryn and Aaron Shear; brother, Samuel Zolner of Elizabeth, N.J. John was predeceased by his parents, Semen and Anna Bubek Zolner; sister, Elizabeth Zolner; and brother, Harry Zolner. Funeral services will be held 12 noon Thursday, August 24 at the Babcock Funeral Home, Ravena. Friends may call at the funeral home prior to the service starting at 11. Burial will follow in Chestnut Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society or to the General Post Fund 1305, c/o Voluntary Service, VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave., Albany, NY 12208 would be appreciated.