Zeke was born in New London on March 8, 1943, to the late Frances Murallo Villanueva of San Diego, CA and Exequiel V. Murallo Sr. of Quaker Hill. He was the fifth child of 11 children, but was a leader in the family taking after his name-sake father. Zeke graduated from New London High School in 1961, and followed in his father’s footsteps and love of his country by joining the Navy's Seabees MCB 11, where he was stationed in Okinawa. There, he learned the skills of engineering, construction and teamwork. He continued to stay in touch with his military family and enjoyed traveling with his wife Paula to many Seabees’ reunions. After his Navy career, Zeke worked for the New Haven Railroad as a brakeman, working along the Connecticut to New York travel lines. Later, he started his life’s career in the construction trade as an Ironworker with the Hartford Connecticut Local 15. He worked on the Alaskan pipeline and traveled throughout New England, where he worked on many major construction projects as a general foreman, and retired after 30 years. Zeke’s hard work ethic and successful career allowed him to buy his “Big Property” in Bozrah, where he built his own house using the lumber harvested from his land and cut in his self-made sawmill. He continued to create a peaceful home by building a resort-like lake retreat in the woods, where his family, friends, and kids from his church could congregate and enjoy. Zeke love hunting, the outdoors, and working with his tractors and farm equipment. He enjoyed collecting all the right tools to do the job. His imagination and creative talents could be easily seen all over his property, especially his ornamental artwork, which he enjoyed building. There was never any construction project that Zeke could not figure out how to do, and he was always there to help from start to finish. Zeke loved sports and was a true fan of the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed playing all sports and played football at NLHS. He was the master whiffle ball pitcher at family picnics. He would throw his brothers, nieces and nephews a big curve right handed, followed by a big curve left handed. He gave his five younger brothers the “never give up attitude” when playing sports and was very proud of his siblings’ accomplishments. As a first generation Filipino-American, Zeke was a proud veteran who loved his country. He embodied the late John F. Kennedy’s quote, “Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country”. It is not possible to encapsulate one’s life in a few words, but Zeke will be forever remembered for his family, friends, and good deeds. An unselfish and humble man, Zeke always felt that “one is better to be judged by one’s lifetime of actions”. Zeke enjoyed volunteering in his community and was active in the local fire department and civic affairs. He was the President of the Bozrah Historical Society and a former Registrar of Voters. Zeke loved to travel and together with his wife, Paula, visited many historical places across the United States. Zeke and Paula were always there to help family, friends, and neighbors, say a kind word or pray with folks in a time of need. Both Zeke and Paula always made many lifelong friends wherever they went. Zeke is survived by his loving wife, Paula (Wenzel) Murallo; his daughters, Wendy (Carlos) Tzampop of Norwich and Meredith (Michael) Rotkowitz of Montville; grandchildren Gabriella Yat, Hannah Yat, Marc Rotkowitz, Meghan Rotkowitz, Joe Atkinson and Eli Atkinson; and Burton LeGery of Lebanon, whom he helped raise and remained very close. Zeke is also survived by his siblings; Alan and his wife, Mary, of Mystic, Thomas and his wife, Susan, of Florida, Gloria Mascardo of New London, Dolores Namin of Quaker Hill, Ricardo of Groton, Randy and his wife, Alice, of Quaker Hill, Raymond and his wife, Beverly of East Lyme, Ronaldo and his wife, Eleanor, of Quaker Hill, and Robert and his wife Hilda of San Diego, CA; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Zeke was predeceased by his brother, Ronald Lee Murallo; niece Victoria Namin; and nephew Rudy Namin. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, CT 06360. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bozrah Volunteer Fire Department, 239 Fitchville Road, Bozrah, CT 06334. Please visit: www.churchandallen.com for the online obituary or to express a condolence.
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