Elmer S. 'Al' Zimmerman, Jan. 4, 1938-July 14, 2011

Elmer S. “Al” Zimmerman, 73, of Lorain, died Thursday, July 14, 2011, following a year-long illness.

He was born Jan. 4, 1938, in Lorain and was a lifelong resident. Elmer attended Lorain High School and was employed by A&P Grocery for 13 years in Lorain and Sheffield Lake. He retired in 2000 from Ford Motor Company Ohio Assembly Plant, Avon Lake. He worked there and at the Lorain Assembly Plant for 32 years. After his retirement he worked as an auto transporter for Ed Mullinax Ford in Amherst. He was a member of UAW Local 2000 In Sheffield Village, Ohio.

Elmer played baseball and fastpitch softball. He enjoyed coaching his boys, as well as many others, for Lorain Little League Youth Baseball. He was a fan of all sports and could often be found on Friday nights at AKHS cheering on the Admirals basketball teams. His TV was set to all Browns, Indians and Cavaliers games. After retirement, Elmer spent time on the golf courses with his four children.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 53 years, Carol (Gray) Zimmerman of Lorain. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Rick “Julio” Zimmerman of Berlin Heights, Ron (Laurie) Zimmerman of Lorain and Scott (Jamie) Zimmerman of South Amherst; his daughter Gay (Jim) Swope of Lorain; his grandchildren, Brittny, Cory, Amanda and Brandon. He is also survived by his sisters Jeanne Hausrod of Avon Lake, Ohio, and Joan Hensley of Sheffield Lake, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Victoria (Krokos) Zimmerman; his loving daughter-in-law Cora Zimmerman in 2003; and his faithful dachshund Sammie.

His family will receive friends 2-6 p.m. Sunday, July 17, at Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East. 31st St., South Lorain (440-277-8164), where his funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 18. The Rev. Mark Telepak of Crossroads Hospice will officiate. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township

The family suggests contributions be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9775 Rockside Road, Valley View, OH 44125.