Lt. Col. George W. Zapf

Lt. Col. George W. Zapf, 88

Jensen Beach, FL - Lt. Col. George W. Zapf, US Army retired, 88,of Jensen Beach, FL and formerly of Troy, passed away Thursday, October 25, 2007. Lt. Col. Zapf stands tall and erect, befitting a proud military officer, marching his way straight to heaven.

Lt. Col. Zapf was born in Troy, New York on February 24, 1919, son of the late Charles E. and Alexena L. (Therrien) Zapf.

In 1936, at age 17, he began his career with the former Behr-Manning Corporation (Norton Company) as an Electric Machine Operator of the Molding Department. Through determination and hard work, he became Labor Relations Manager for the company. After nearly 39 years, he retired from his career with Norton Co. on February 28, 1975 as a Field Service Engineer in the Coated Abrasives Division, with a 5 year break in his employment to proudly serve the United States of America during World War II.

On February 17, 1941, Lt. Col. Zapf was drafted into the United States Army. As a young 22 year old 2nd Lieutenant on active duty, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of the 607th Signal Company on Martha's Vineyard, MA. His and his platoon's assignment was to guard and protect the shores of Martha's Vineyard from German invasion. One of the many recollections during this time of his military service was discovering footprints in the sand on the beaches, indicating the German submarines dropped off enemy agents who then came ashore in rubber rafts on the 'Vineyard' in the dark of night. On September 19, 1959, Lt. Col. Zapf was assigned as a military escort to HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at then Governor Nelson Rockefeller's reception at the Executive Mansion. He received a Letter of Commendation from the Commanding General of the NYANG, the Acting Chief of Staff to Governor Rockefeller, as well as the Commanding Officer of the 210th Army. Division for his service at the reception.

After being Honorably Discharged from active duty on January 3, 1946, Lt. Col. Zapf became a member of the United States Army National Guard. His other assignments included Intelligence Officer of the 210th Armored Tank Battalion, Albany, New York; the 1st Armored Brigade of the 27th Armored Division, Troy, New York; Material Management Officer at Headquarters, 205th General Support Group, Troy, New York; and Logistics Officer of the Troy, New York Unit Headquarters. Lt. Col. Zapf retired from the United States Army National Guard, on December 29, 1970, after nearly 30 years of military service.

Survivors include his wife and beloved "Babe", Mildred E. (Harris) Zapf. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on December 2nd. He is the cherished and adored father of Gail E. (Raymond J.) Gosnell, and especially proud grandfather of Investigator Drew H. (Maria) McDonald, NYSP, and R. Todd (Shelly) McDonald, Captain, Illinois Department of Corrections. Also surviving are 4 great grandchildren: Brittany M. McDonald and Devin J. McDonald, Schenectady, New York; Sydney T. McDonald, Irwin, PA; and Rylea E. McDonald, Pinckneyville, IL. Brother-in-law of Leonard E. (Doris) Harris, Port St. Lucie, FL, and Elsie C. (Michael J.) Cahill, Troy, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews. His brother, former Troy Fire Chief Edward J. Zapf, and a sister, Estella M. Zapf, predeceased him.

Those who know him best will be pleased to know he no longer suffers from that "Hawaiian disease" he has told us about over and over again! I m sure none of us will ever forget it or the punch line to it. Daddy, as you have so often said in recent years, you are now 'just relaxing' . As well you should. You earned it. We, your family, are all so proud of you and always will be. We salute you. You will be missed.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, November 1, 2007 at 10:00am at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-8pm.

Interment Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Lt. Col. Zapf to Treasure Coast Hospices 1201 Southeast Indian Street Stuart, FL 34994.

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