Simon R. Zimmerman III

Simon R. Zimmerman III, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and member of the Lancaster community, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 28, 2025 leaving behind a legacy defined by brilliance, generosity, humor and quiet devotion to family. Born to Martha Weaver Zimmerman and Simon Ralph Zimmerman, Jr., Si was raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he spent his life deeply rooted in family and community. He was a proud graduate of The Lawrenceville School in 1950, and of Yale University in 1954, where he managed the university’s crew team—a role that reflected his quiet leadership. He later earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1957 and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1958. Si distinguished himself in the legal profession as a founding partner—and later of counsel—at Zimmerman, Pfannebecker, Nuffort & Albert, LLP. He earned the deep respect of clients, colleagues, the Bench, and community members alike for his calm judgment, clarity of thought, and unwavering integrity. Si’s contributions to Lancaster extended far beyond the courtroom. He generously donated his time to several local organizations, always quietly and without fanfare. He was deeply committed to charitable work, lending steady support and leadership to the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, The Salvation Army, the Lancaster Lions Club, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Whether helping shape programs for young people, supporting families in need, or working behind the scenes to fulfill a child’s dream, Si offered his time and talents with humility and heart. He was known for his sharp intellect, quick wit, and total lack of pretension. He valued simplicity above all. Wind-down car windows, a ledger-style checkbook, and a stubborn avoidance of anything with a screen defined his everyday preferences. He never touched a computer. Correspondence with his children during their college years—and long after—was typed hunt-and-peck style on a manual typewriter, each envelope addressed with the same care and intention. His love of antiques—especially tall case clocks—was more than a pastime. He was a fixture at local auctions, where his eye for quality and quiet expertise were widely recognized and respected. In the kitchen, however, Si was endearingly out of place. He never did grasp the difference between a microwave and a dishwasher. What he did understand, deeply, was the joy of eating: “I like things that look like that” was a common refrain. And few things delighted him more than a chocolate chip cookie. His approach to clothing was as timeless as it was steadfast. Si wore his prep school wardrobe so faithfully—and for so long—that it drifted in and out of style more than once, eventually settling somewhere between classic and unintentional irony. His golf cleats gave out decades ago, but he kept wearing them anyway, the metal spikes pushing through the soles like some medieval protest. And his bathing suit? Just one. A single, loyal one that lasted his entire adult life. Trends came and went. Si took no notice. Beyond all his pursuits, it was his role within the family that gave his life its deepest meaning. His children were the absolute center of his world. To say he showed up for them is quite the understatement. He did it the only way he knew - with quiet consistency and fierce devotion—never seeking recognition, but always present. To each of them, he offered unconditional love, clear guidance, and a bedrock sense of security. He gave without question and loved without limit. Their happiness was his happiness. And their successes, his silent joy. Si was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith “Jill” Zimmerman (née Strubel), with whom he shared a marriage for over 60 years, and his brother, Clarence E. Zimmerman. He is survived by his five children—Marion, Simon IV, Martha, Julia, and Paul—as well as his eleven grandchildren, one great-grandson, to all of whom he was affectionately known as Jimbo. He is also remembered with love by his sister, Edith Z. May, brothers, Edward W. Zimmerman and Herbert W. Zimmerman, sisters-in-law, and their children, all of whom were touched by his generosity, humor, and boundless heart. The family acknowledges and is thankful for the physicians and other providing professionals, health care workers and support staffs at Lancaster Emergency Medical Services, Lancaster Internal Medicine, Lancaster General Hospital both in the Emergency Department and on the patient floors, together with the countless others who have supported Si during his final illness with clarity, grace, compassion and humor and who by their actions prompted Si to offer up of a gentle, "Thanks for taking such good care of me" a time or two. The family specifically acknowledges with deep gratitude the service of Leah Maher and Becky Dean as critical components of Si's care team these last several years. Both of them served Si with diligence, tenderness, dignity, and respect while fostering a deep, sustaining sense of connection between Si and themselves and fiercely advocating on behalf of their charge. Their care of Si exceeded our expectations in every relevant regard and went far beyond duty. He will be so sorely missed—and so warmly remembered. Si had little patience for slow funeral processions—so if you’re inching along with your hazards on, just know he’s up there hollering “CHRISTMAS!” and begging you to pick up the pace. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, PO Box 104, Lancaster, PA 17608, in Si’s memory. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 4PM. Family will receive visitors beginning at 3PM. A private family interment will be held at Marticville Cemetery. End of message.