WWII Navy veteran, AT&T lineman and phone engineer Heinz “Hank” Zeller was born March 7, 1924 in Schorn Dorf, Germany. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on February 7, 2022. Hank was cared for by Staten Island University Hospice and his aide Gifty during his final months. He immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a toddler. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School. Hank proudly served in the Navy as an electrician mate 3rd class during World War II. He was aboard the USS Franklin when it was attacked by the Japanese. He was one of a skeleton crew that sailed the Franklin back to port and received a letter of Commendation, the Asiatic Pacific medal, American Theatre medal and Victory medal for his effort. Hank spent his career of 42 years at AT&T as a lineman and phone engineer. He met his wife Dolores on the Staten Island Express bus. Their romance led to a happy marriage of 35 years. Hank and Dolores enjoyed trying new restaurants and considered themselves unofficial restaurant critics. Hank is survived by his wife Dolores (DeMarzio), sister-in-law Judith DeMarzio, and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Eleanora Hellebrener. Visitation will be Saturday February 12, 2022 at the Harmon Funeral Home 571 Forest Ave from 3:00 to 8:00pm. Religious services will be held at the funeral home at 5:00pm Saturday. Harmon Funeral Home 571 Forest Avenue Staten Island, NY 10310 (718) 442-5056
Published by Staten Island Advance from Feb. 9 to Feb. 10, 2022.