Paul William Zgraggen

On Friday February 12th, 2021 Paul William Zgraggen (a.k.a. Bill Zgraggen, Ziggy, Uncle Bill,

Dad, and Pa) entered into the kingdom of heaven in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved

ones, at the age of 88.

He was born to Paul Leo and Rafaela Zgraggen on June 22nd, 1932 in his beloved city of San

Francisco. He attended Notre Dame des Victoires through 8th grade and then he went on to

Sacred Heart Catholic High School. “Ziggy” Zgraggen was an All-Catholic Prep Team and

All-City football player, meeting his future bride, Helen Freeman, from Star of the Sea High

School, during those formative years. Their romance blossomed using Golden Gate Park as a

thoroughfare between their different neighborhoods.

He was an avid San Francisco 49er fan, rooting for them since seeing their first game in Kezar

Stadium while selling programs, and, according to those who knew him, he was the number one

49er fan! He also was very fond of the San Francisco Giants.

Paul was ever-proud of his United Parcel Service (UPS) career starting as a package car washer

and moving up through the ranks, eventually retiring, after 34 years, as a Regional Special

Project Manager. It was this career with UPS which allowed him and his family to meet, travel

and experience wonderful lifelong friends from places like Chico and the Bay Area in California,

to other locations around the country including Birmingham, Alabama, Des Moines, Iowa,

Lansing, Michigan and Newark, New Jersey. He helped open up the Southeast Region for UPS,

in the mid-1960’s, being instrumental in positively altering the culture of the workplace,

addressing and eliminating many of the racial barriers that were present at the time.

Dad was never short on stories about the many places we lived and wonderful people we met

that made his life unique. Whether discussing interesting geography, local culture or curious

facts, the stories always engaged and enlightened the listener. He was proud of the education and

growth that his travels presented to him and his family. These travels allowed him to make

lifelong friends from many parts of the country.

Because we traveled so much around the country the next step was for him to travel the world. In

retirement he and his bride were able to enjoy the sites of Europe, Africa and Australia, creating

more lifetime memories. After globe-trotting he enjoyed spending time with his children,

grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his dearest friends whether that was on the links, playing

cribbage, or involving himself with Fantasy Football. His competitive nature, like his genes, is

something that he passed on to all of his family.

The heart sustains life and he was truly the “heart” of his family. He was known for being an

amazing role model to his family, friends and those he worked with. An extraordinary man, he

will be missed dearly by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Helen, his five children and their

spouses: Michael and Karen Zgraggen, Kenneth and Deborah Zgraggen, Cynthia Heath, Timothy

Zgraggen and Ashley Hathaway, Scott Zgraggen and Marty Eastlack. He will also be missed by

his six grandchildren; Todd and Ashley Heath, Sarah and Michael Saenz, Kyle and Meg

Zgraggen, Courtney Zgraggen and Andrea Clodfelter, Nicholas Zgraggen, and Derek Zgraggen,

and three great grandchildren; Dominic Saenz, Brooke Zgraggen, and Delaney Saenz, and

coming soon, the fourth, Annabelle Zgraggen.

He made a lasting impact on so many and will also be missed by brothers and sisters-in-law,

several nieces, nephews, extended family members and the many friends he welcomed, as

family, made along the way.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth, his sister Barbara Carlson and his son-in-law

Timothy Heath.

A memorial service is currently being planned for a later date. He was so generous throughout

his life, donating to multiple charities, that in lieu of flowers and in honor of his generous spirit,

we are encouraging donations to any charity of your choice in his memory.