Richard W. Ziegler

Richard W. (Dick) Ziegler, 89, of Kissimmee, Florida passed away May 6, 2011. He was born in Leominster, Mass. Feb. 20, 1922 to Frederick and Agnes Ziegler of Fitchburg, Mass. A longtime resident of Fitchburg he graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1940. After graduation Dick joined the Marine Corps where he served in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1945. While in Fitchburg he worked for 33 years in radio broadcasting, first at WEIM and then WFGL. On weekends he was the leader of the Dick Williams Orchestra, travelling around New England. After leaving WFGL he and his beloved wife Betty moved to Kissimmee, Fla. where he worked for Walt Disney World. He retired after ten years as the engineer of the Walt Disney Railroad in the Magic Kingdom. Throughout his life Dick maintained his sense of humor and his strong, gentle manner.

Preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Ziegler (Williams), sons John R. Ziegler and Richard W. (Rick) Ziegler Jr. Dick is survived by his son, Rob Ziegler of Boerne, Tx, grandchildren, Tony Ziegler of Boston, Mass, Jason Ziegler of Jacksonville, Fla., Kay Ziegler of Jacksonville, Fla., brother-in-law John Williams of Vero Beach, Fla., and nieces Pat Ziegler of Kissimmee, Fla. and Jeanne Awad (Ziegler) of Punta Gorda, Fla.

A private graveside service will be conducted in Fitchburg at a later date.

Memorial donations can be sent to the Friends of Coggshall Park, 20 Plain St. Fitchburg, Mass. 01420.

Arrangements under the direction of Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory, Kissimmee, FL.