George A. Zimmer of Berne, a decorated Vietnam veteran who worked in engineering, died at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, March 23, 2020. He was 76.

“George enjoyed an active role in his community, proudly serving as the town of Wright assessor, member of the Gallupville Fire Department, member of the town hall construction team and the Lions Club, where he was involved in the construction of the tennis court.” his family wrote in a tribute.

He was born on Aug. 30, 1943 to the late Cyrus and Elizabeth Zimmer in Schenectady where he attended Linton High School and went on to Dayton and Union colleges.

Upon graduating from college, he began work at Chrysler Research Lab in Dayton, Ohio before being drafted into the Army in 1965.

Mr. Zimmer served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967, where he was known as “Zim.”  He held the rank of SPC4 as an 11B, Infantryman and Radio Telephone Operator, with assignments at multiple fire bases and combat outposts, including An Khe, Pleiku, and Bong Son.

During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, three Purple Hearts, the Army Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, two Vietnam Service Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal-1960s, two Presidential Unit Citations, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

 After two tours in Vietnam, he spent 10 years at Knolls Atomic Power Lab, six years at Brookhaven National Laboratory, 20 years at Hewlett Packard, and 18 years at Delaware Engineering.

Mr. Zimmer recently served as Delaware Engineering’s chief inspector for the McKownville water and storm sewer projects in Guilderland.

“Many of you will remember George’s familiar presence over the past two construction seasons as he walked through the neighborhood checking on the progress of the work and meeting with residents,” Ellen Manning, president of the McKownville Neighborhood Improvement Association, wrote to association members. “His dedication and gentle humor will be missed by all who knew him.

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George A. Zimmer is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda A. Zimmer; by his children, Kimberly Zimmer of Gallupville, Christopher Zimmer and Kimberly O’Meara of Ballston Spa, Brent Zimmer and Eileen Zuefle of Berne; and by his grandchildren Averill, Gaige, Quinn, and Sloan.

He is also survived by his brother, Robert Zimmer, and his wife, Mary Anne, of Berne, and by a niece and nephew as well as by his mother-in-law, Helen Funck of Gallupville.

There will be no calling hours. A military service will be held at the Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gallupville Volunteer Fire Department, 109 School St, Schoharie, NY 12157 or to the American Legion Riders, Helderberg Post 977, 988 Altamont Blvd., Altamont, NY 12009.