Irving Zimmer passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 13, 2014. He will be deeply missed by his family — daughters Karen Zimmer and Kathy (Ray) Cafarelli, and granddaughters Celina and Marlo Cafarelli. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 56 years, Rose Romano Zimmer, who he met at a Jewish Community Center dance in San Francisco.
An audiologist by profession, he was known for his talents as a theater director, and directing, acting and doing national commercials and corporate videos for more than 60 years. He directed numerous plays and musicals for the Jewish community at many venues, including “Milk and Honey” produced in conjunction with Hadassah, “Tevya and His Daughters,” and readings from Sholom Aleichem at Hadassah meetings and at the JCC. Enjoying the performing arts right to the end, he attended the Pacific Northwest Ballet the day before he passed away.
Irving grew up in San Francisco, where he received his Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing and Drama at Stanford University. He served in the Army and Air Force in World War II. He was a compassionate, fun-loving man, taking an interest in people everywhere he traveled. An avid reader, reading five books at a time, he also enjoyed sailing and racing the boat he built, building and flying model airplanes, tending the gardens at home, vacationing yearly in Hawaii and taking trips to Europe, woodworking and stained glass projects, and holding musical salons and play readings at his home. The funeral was held on April 14. Remembrances can be made to the Kline Galland Center in Seattle in lieu of flowers.
Irving Zimmer