Eugene H. Zook

Eugene H. “Gene” Zook, 88, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Lancaster. He was born in Philadelphia and moved to Lancaster when 4 years of age. He was the son of the late George P. and Rose Z. Zook of Lancaster. A 1946 graduate of McCaskey High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at graduation and served aboard the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt and the U.S.S. Midway. He was a store manager for Best Markets, Food Fair and Pantry Pride supermarkets for 30 years. An electrician by trade, he then serviced equipment for McDonald’s of Lancaster until his retirement in 1993. His first wife, Betty Jane, passed away on December 31, 1985. They were blessed with a very happy marriage of 36 years. He is survived by his wife, Helen M. Watson-Zook with whom he also shared 25 happy years. Gene felt that the Good Lord had twice blessed him by loaning him two great ladies as his wives. Also surviving are daughter, Vicki, wife of Douglas Geib of Landisville, and a son, David, husband of Shelly of Lancaster, seven grandchildren: Andrew, Matthew, Amanda, Casey, Eric, Jordan and Tyler, six great grandchildren: Matalyn, Joshua, Wyatt, Kathleen, Emalee and Aiden. He is also survived by a stepson, Lawrence Watson, husband of Lisa of York and three stepdaughters: Eleanor Royer of Florida, Clair Tito of California and Rosemary, wife of Kerry Martin of Akron, eight stepgrandhildren: Claire, Sean, Matthew, Daniel, Van, Amanda, Andrew, Kierstie, and six step great grandchildren: Joseph, Bethany, Noah, Laciee, Bella-Danielle and Cheyenne. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Ashley. Gene was a longtime member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and served as Lay President, Executive Director, Call Committee Chairman and on various boards of the church. He enjoyed traveling, reading, garden work and home improvements. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Gene’s Funeral Service on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 500 Pearl Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 with Reverend David Kreider officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in Riverview Burial Park. If desired, Memorials in Gene’s name may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Zook Memorial Fund, 500 Pearl Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.