Obituary of David J. Zimmerman

David John Zimmerman entered into rest October 31, 2017. Born June 4, 1941, he was the loving husband of fifty-three years to Carol (Nevling) Zimmerman; dear father of Jennifer Zimmerman Stickney of Lockport, NY and Todd (Holly) Zimmerman of Amherst, NY; brother of Richard (Linda) Zimmerman of Middleburg Hts, Ohio; adored grandfather of Elaine, Jordan, and Hannah. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anne Zimmerman of Brooklyn, Ohio. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and countless friends in both residences of Lockport, NY and The Villages, FL. He earned a B.A. from Ohio University, where he fell in love with his best friend and future wife; and an M.A. from SUNY Buffalo. An innovative history teacher at Benjamin Franklin Junior High and Kenmore East High School for 34 years combined, he challenged the school board and gained approval for two Vietnam Conflict courses he taught over 10 years. In addition, he worked tirelessly for preservation as President of Historic Lockport, and creator of the Friends of Union Station. Most recently he performed reenactments of Jessie Hawley and Charles Upson for the Niagara County Historical Society and the PBS documentary, Erie – The Canal That Made America. A lifelong collector and operator of Lionel Trains, a passion he pursued with his brother and his son. Friends and family received at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, NY, on Saturday, November 4th, 12 - 3pm, followed immediately onsite by a memorial service. Burial to be held on Monday, November 6th at 11am in Cold Springs Cemetery, 4849 Cold Springs Rd, Lockport, NY 14094. Flowers graciously declined in lieu of donations to CrohnsColitisFoundation.Org. 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017; or PulminaryFibrosis.Org, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611.