Richard A. Zeimet, 64, of Hampton passed away at his home on March, 4, 2010, with his loving wife and family at his side.
Born on Dec. 6, 1945, in Des Plaines, Ill., he was the son of Ted and Marie (Prochasta) Zeimet.
After growing up in Des Plaines, he enlisted in the U.S Navy in December 1962, and was honorably discharged in June 1974.
He married his wife and best friend, Rose, on Sept. 27, 1966. After his discharge from the Navy they moved to her home town of Hampton to raise their family.
Rich, known to many as “Zim” or “Abbott,” was a licensed master plumber and had been employed by Jordan Oil, Whitcomb Plumbing and Heating, the New York State Department of Correctional Services (maintenance) and General Electric Co. in Rutland, Vt., where he retired after 18 years.
He was a past member of the Hampton Volunteer Fire Department, Poultney (Vt.) Valley Snowmobile Devils Club and Vermont Association of Snow Travelers. Rich enjoyed hunting, but his first love was fishing and he spent many hours on Lake Champlain with his “fishing buddy” Dinty Moore.
He loved spending time with his grandkids when they could come and visit. He enjoyed packing a lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and taking them fishing. He especially loved to watch the expressions on their faces when they caught a fish.
Rich was a proud Navy veteran. He served aboard the USS Hunt -DD674, USS Graham County -1176, USS Guam LPH-9, USS Albany CG-10 and USS Detroit AOE-9. In 1990 he joined and became a very active member of USS Albany Association and later also became a member of the USS Guam LPH-9 Association and attended yearly reunions of both associations.
He was also a member of the “Cruiser Sailor Association,” “Tin Can Sailor” and a 20-year member of the American Legion Post 0039.
Rich is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Rose M. (Shaw) Zeimet; his son, Richard E. and his wife, Anissa, of Clarksville, Tenn.; his daughter, Ronda M. Panoushek and her husband, Steve, of Hebron, Ky.; five loving grandchildren, Shelby and Victoria Panoushek, Lauren, Zachary and Megan Zeimet; two brothers, James Zeimet and his wife, Jeanne, of Kingston, Ill., and Charles Zeimet and his wife, Darla, of Iron Mountain, Mich.; and a sister-in-law, Georgia Zeimet of Park City, Ill. He is also survived by loved ones we depended on so much, Bob and Cam Shaw, many close relatives, nieces and nephews, and his many friends and shipmates who were the most amazing support group ever.
Rich was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Marie, and one brother, Ted Zeimet.
A memorial service, with a celebration of life immediately following, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Crippen Fellows Post 50 American Legion in Castleton, Vt. At his request, there will be no calling hours.
Donations in his memory may be sent to USS Albany Association, USS Guam LPH-9 Association, Poultney Rescue Squad or Haynes House of Hope through the Durfee Funeral Home, P.O. Box 86, Fair Haven, Vt. 05743.
