Charles W. Zimmer of Truro died on March 3, 2021 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. Known as Chuck, he was the husband of Janice (Cosker) Zimmer. He was 76.
Born on Aug. 1, 1944 in Meriden, Conn. to Charles “Cap” and Rose (Meyer) Zimmer, he graduated from Platt High School, where he lettered in baseball and soccer. He was proud of having been offered a tryout with the New York Mets after high school. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served from 1966 to 1969.
Chuck and Janice married in 1969. He earned a B.S. in business at Central Connecticut University, then worked at Freuhauf Trailer Corp., various insurance companies, and Malerba’s Silver City Tire Co. as vice president of sales.
Chuck enjoyed many years playing in the Meriden Softball League on championship teams, including Stone Insurance and Zima Builders. He also served as president of the Meriden Umpire Association.
One of his greatest joys was coaching soccer and volleyball at the Meriden Boys and Girls Club. A consummate coach, he was honored with the John D. Altobello Memorial Service Award and was inducted into the club’s Alumni Hall of Fame. He also coached for many years for the Meriden Soccer Club and received its Distinguished Service Award.
In 2003, Chuck and Jan moved to Truro and he took his dream job: groundskeeper at the Highland Links Golf Course. He also enjoyed driving elders for the Council on Aging. He retired in 2013, and the Zimmers made several cross-country trips to visit their son Marc in California.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Jan; his sons, Todd Zimmer and wife Sara Wilson of Cromwell, Conn. and Marc and wife Oriana Zimmer of Santa Barbara, Calif.; and his grandchildren, McKenna Zimmer, Derek and Dylan Wilson, and Ezran Zimmer. He also leaves a sister, Deborah Lord; sister-in-law Susan Zimmer; sister- and brother-in-law Laurie and Hilary Kumnick; brother- and sister-in-law John and Robin Cosker; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Curtis Zimmer.
He will be remembered for connecting easily with everyone around him, for his joy in giving to others, his ever-present positive attitude, and his many stories and jokes. He is sorely missed.
Memorial celebrations of his life will be planned for later this year.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Truro Council on Aging, P.O. Box 500, Truro 02666 or to the Meriden Boys and Girls Club, 15 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT 06450.
An online guest book for expressions of condolence for the family may be found at gatelyfuneralservice.com.
