Joseph Zola, 88, of West Hartford, died Saturday July 13th, 2013. Born in Poland, he was the son of the late Elia and Lisa (Goldes) Zawelevski. Joseph was a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to West Hartford in 1947 to join Uncle Israel and Aunt Zelda Zola.
He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He leaves his wife, Marcia (Freedman) Zola of 62 years; his sons, Lawrence of New York, NY, Michael of Santa Monica, CA and Geoffrey of Lexington, MA his daughter-in-laws, Ling, Lisa and Judy; his grandchildren, Daniel, Joshua, Jordan, Samantha, Rebecca, Zachary and Sarah; his sister, Ruth Savits of Swathmore, PA; his nephews Robert and Mathew Rubin and family. He was predeceased by his son, Dr. Benjamin E. Zola, and by his brother, Samuel N. Zola. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Sandra Morgan for her compassionate care.
In 2004 the Joseph Zola Fellowship in Holocaust Teaching and the Joseph Zola Professional Development Grants were established at the University of Hartford. The Zola Award and Professional Grants support an award for an established middle or high school curriculum and the development of new curriculum on the Holocaust and genocide. He was a member of Beth El Temple of West Hartford.
Funeral services will be held Monday July 15th, 2103, at 11 am in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Interment will follow in Beth El Temple Cemetery, Jackson St. Ext., Avon, CT. Following the interment, the family will receive relatives and friends at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Hartford Zola Teaching Fund. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Joseph, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.
Probus Club brought Joe and I together. Never shy and always had something to contribute.
From: Alfred Fichman
From Bloomfield, CT
Posted On: July 14, 2013
To Larry, and the extended family - My thoughts are with you at this time if loss. I pray the great healer, time, will fill you with wonderful memories of your dear departed Joeseph.
From: Ginny & Jim Copeland
From Enfield, Ct.
Posted On: July 14, 2013
Our condolenaces on Joseph's passing. We enjoyed our time with him and remember him fondly. We hope that the end was not too difficult.
We have to work and will not be able to attend the funeral, but our thoughts will be with him and his family.
Sadly, Ginny & Jim Copeland
From: Barri and Rick Blinderman
From Southport, Ct
Posted On: July 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
From: The Mandell Family
From Glastonbury, CT
Posted On: July 14, 2013
To the entire Zola family,
Joe was not only a friend to me,but loved by my whole family. I am very fortunate that somehow we became such close friends. Most people don't get to spend quality time with a friend like I did with Joe. I know he is eating ribs and drinking (great wine) three times a day now.
He will be greatly missed and always remembered by The Mandell Family.
From: Erick and Linda Lundqvist
From Bloomfield, CT
Posted On: July 14, 2013
Joe was a passionate wine lover and a faithful customer of our wine store in Farmington, LA VINOTHEQUE. We remember him as a kind,humorous and most friendly person. Our condolences go to his loving family.
From: Stuart and Ellen Roth
From west htfd, CT
Posted On: July 14, 2013
Dear Marcia and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the memories of his long life with you all bring comfort.
Ellen
From: Elliott E. Cohen
From Briarcliff Manor, NY
Posted On: July 14, 2013
Lawrence, sorry to read of your dad’s passing. When we were kids in West Hartford I would come over to your house & he was always nice to talk to. Give my condolences to the family. Sincerely Elliott E. Cohen
From: Lenny & Judi Bruckman
From Granite Bay, CA
Posted On: July 18, 2013
We were so saddened to learn of Joe's passing. He was one-of-a-kind. He enjoyed life and was always a pleasure to be around. Lenny spent many afternoons at the Hartford YMCA w/ Joe playing racquetball - Joe would always say "let's not keep score" and then a few minutes later when he won a point he would say "I won". Then there were Joe's "special lunches", which always included wine...and more wine. And who else but Joe could get away w/ bringing his own food to a restaurant? Judi and Joe spent many a day discussing the "ins and outs" of wine and Joe would always want the wine that no one else could get. He will be missed but always fondly remembered.
From: Robin Koltenuk
From Sacramento, CA
Posted On: July 19, 2013
My condolences to the whole family. So sorry to hear about Joseph and wish I could have been with you for the service.
From: Ken and Kelly Littleton
From Santa Monica, CA
Posted On: July 13, 2013
We had met Mr. Zola a few times; his son, Michael, is a dear friend. Mr. Zola was always kind, charming, and funny. He and his wonderful wife raised four outstanding sons. It makes us very sad that he has passed. We send our deepest condolences to Mr. Zola's family.
From: Alan & Paula Smith
From San Rafael, CA
Posted On: July 27, 2013
We have wonderful memories of Joe and the whole family. We wish you all the best and were very sorry to hear the news about Joe's
passing. May his memory be a blessing.
