Obituary of Irvin H. 'Sonny' Zigler

Irvin H. 'Sonny' Zigler Irvin H. "Sonny" Zigler, 86, of Stow, OH, died peacefully while surrounded by his family on Jan 15th, 2015 following a short illness. Irvin is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan, and their children Michael (Stacey) of SW FL, Robert (Katie) of Columbus, Julianne (Brad) Herrick of Cuyahoga Falls, and Joseph of Wadsworth, along his beloved sister Mary Ellen of Green. His grandchildren were the light of his life: Emily, Owen, and Addison Herrick, as well as Trevor and Audrey of Cuyahoga Falls, Taylor and Jack of Florida, and Riley and Mackenzie of Columbus. Born in 1928 in Akron to Elizabeth and Curtis Zigler, he graduated from North High. While earning a degree from the University of Akron, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and Air Force ROTC. Then earned his meteorological degree from NYU and was subsequently stationed in Wiesbaden AF base in Germany as a Weatherman. In 1954, he was sent to Indochina as part of a historic French Airlift. After retiring as a Major, he taught briefly at Stow HS before earning a masters degree from the University of Michigan in 1960. He returned to Stow HS teaching math and science, influencing two successful generations of students, while being awarded Teacher of the Year in 1985. He retired in 1988, but continued his love of teaching by tutoring. His love of running led to coaching of the Stow HS cross country team. He was also Head of the Math dept, a member of the Athletic Dept., and coach of the Chess Club. His avid love of photography chronicled the lives of his children and grandchildren for their benefit and that of generations to come. He was a member of St Joseph Church. The family will receive friends on Monday, 5-8 pm, at the Anthony Funeral Home MCGOWAN-REID & SANTOS CHAPEL 247 Stow Ave. (at 3rd. St., one block north of Portage Trail) in Cuyahoga Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Jared Orndorff on Tuesday, 11:00 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church 1761 Second St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. Interment will follow at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to St. Jude Research Hospital.