1925 ~ 2023
Thompson – Walter Zeh, 97, of Thompson died peacefully at home on January 10, 2023, with his beloved wife of 71 years by his side.
He was born in Brooklyn NY August 15, 1925 to the late Katherine (Becker) Zeh and Herman Zeh. He was raised in Queens NY and Chester CT. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and was selected to be in the Navy’s V-12 program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering in two and one half years. He was athletic and played First Attack on RPI’s Lacrosse team. He retired from the US Navy Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant. After the war, he earned a Master’s in Civil Engineering at RPI. He was employed as an engineer at Alcoa and General Dynamics (Electric Boat). In 1958 he joined AVCO Space Systems Division as an engineer working on the Apollo feasibility study followed by the design, development, manufacture, and testing of the Apollo Command Module Ablator Heat Shield and promoted to Director of the Apollo Program Office. He obtained a Master’s of Business Administration at New York University in 1980 and was self-employed in investments and stock market analysis. He was a Third Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #1381 Pennsylvania.
He loved nature and the outdoors and had a fondness for the Quiet Corner. In 1994, he and his wife moved to Thompson CT after building their retirement home. He tended his home and gardens, went swimming in Quaddick Pond and took daily walks with his wife.
Walter was a gentle, humble, and loving man. He and his wife truly lived their marriage vows during their 71 years together anchored in their faith and trust in God. He loved his wife, children and all his family dearly.
He is survived by his loving wife Sophia J. (Dabkowski) Zeh, his son Stephen (Tammy) Zeh of Maine, his daughters Janet Zeh and Mary Anne Zeh of Connecticut, and his daughter Eileen (Edward) Davies of Georgia, six grandchildren Eric Zeh, Iyla Elkins, Eben (Krista) Zeh, Conor Jerolmon, Asher Jerolmon and Aaron (Allison) Jerolmon and four great grandchildren Calhen Elkins, Micah and Ava Leigh Zeh, and Quinn Sophia Jerolmon. He was predeceased by his son Andrew and his siblings, Richard Zeh, Herman Zeh, Jr., and Katherine Beck.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 11:00AM in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. Memorial donations in Walter’s memory may be made to Hospice of NECT, P.O. Box 632, Putnam, CT 06260, E. Thompson Volunteer Fires Dept., P.O. Box 271, Thompson, CT 06277 or Thompson Fire Engine Co. Inc., 70 Chase Rd., Thompson, CT 06277. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Stephanie Zeh
My deepest sympathy.
I am so glad I got to meet Uncle Walter.
His nephew Walter Zeh (my husband) has told me so many great memories he had with Uncle Walter.
He said that his father Richie and Walter were really close growing up.
May God comfort your family during this time of loss.
Sharon Wood
From a friend of Mary Anne’s:
My deepest condolences to the entire family. I have read and reread the obituary of your father’s life, Mary Anne, and I am very impressed with his careers. It interested me how he could be part of the Service and big companies and could also, later, be successful in his own business. Also, it seems you have your father’s bright eyes, and I am sure share many personality traits. May you hold close to your happiest moments together.
We will be at the service next week.
With Love, Sharon Wood