Harold Zeigfinger

Harold was born in The Bronx, New York to Jacob and Hilda Zeigfinger on August 28, 1921. After graduating from high school, he entered the US Merchant Marine Academy, where he received certification in Electrical Engineering. He was a Marine during World War II and served in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Middle East War Zones from December 1942 until August 1943.

In October 1943 he entered the Merchant Marines, serving until 1945, before being honorably discharged. From 1945 until 1964 he worked as an electrician with the US Coast Guard on various ships (including the first nuclear powered merchant ship, NS Savannah), traveling throughout the United States and internationally. He would bring back furniture and treasures from Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and other ports of call. Afterwards, he freelanced as an electrician/engineer on major construction projects in Houston, including The Astroworld Hotel and The Westin Oaks Galleria.

After his children were born, Harold started a chemical sales company which he ran until his retirement. Never one to sit still, he went to work in the laundry department at the VA Hospital while in his 80's where he enjoyed the camaraderie of other veterans.

He met his wife, Dorothy (formerly Garske) at an event at the Jewish Community Center in Houston. They were married in 1955, and spent 64 years together, raising children, celebrating grandchildren (and a great-grandchild). His favorite vacations were ocean cruises. He always enjoyed speaking with the captain and touring the bridge and engine room. He took his last cruise with his wife in 2015 at the age of 94.

Harold is survived by his wife, Dorothy Zeigfinger; children Cheryl (Marc) Lefkowitz and Mark (Corinne) Zeigfinger; grandchildren Adam (Erin) Jalfon, Rachel Jalfon, Michelle (Mark) Jalfon-Jimenez, Emily Zeigfinger, Katherine Zeigfinger; and great-granddaughter Ava Jalfon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Hilda Zeigfinger; and by his brothers Melvin Zigner and Seymour Zeigfinger.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice in his memory.