Mark F. Zimmermann

During high school, he worked part-time in the Men’s Department at Sears where he became a natty dresser and saved up enough money to buy his first car, a Dodge Challenger. This is also where he met his first wife, Betty.

Mark was given a surfboard for high school graduation, and headed to Virginia Beach on a family vacation to shoot the curls. His surfing days were cut short when his surfboard was stolen on the second day of his vacation.

He was accepted at the University of Virginia, but chose to attend George Mason University instead, to ease the financial burden on his mother, after his father died suddenly.

Mark graduated from George Mason University in 1975 with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he began working full-time for Giant Food. He was enrolled in their management trainee program, and held a number of positions at Giant, including deli manager. Most recently, he worked as a receiver, before retiring a short time ago, after 39 years of service to Giant Food.

Mark enjoyed fishing; boating; visiting Florida and the Eastern Shore beaches; attending Renaissance festivals and craft fairs; collecting things; birthday dinners at Outback Steakhouse; watching “Alaska State Troopers;” giving gifts to his nephew Richard and giving advice to his younger sister.

He also enjoyed celebrating and decorating for the holidays! Halloween, Christmas and the Fourth of July were among his favorites. Mark carved the family turkey for many years and he will especially be missed at Thanksgiving. He liked country music. “Where Are You Christmas?” by Faith Hill was one of his favorite holiday songs.

Mark enjoyed the company of a cat named Thunder and a dog, Lightning, and later on,

two cats-- Ham Burglar and Mr. Bear.

Over the years, his natty suits were replaced with black t-shirts.

He is survived by his sister Chris and brother Matt.

We loved him and will miss him!