Joseph Eugene Zaiman, Sr.

Joe Zaiman died peacefully on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, of complications from colon cancer.  

Joe was born on April 23, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, the third child of Samuel and Renee (Ray Levine) Zaiman.  A first generation American, his parents emigrated from Odessa, Russia to Paris after the pogroms of the late 1800s. In 1915, his parents immigrated to America.  Joe spent his childhood in Crompond, New York near Lake Mohegan.  

Joe enlisted in the United States Navy in April, 1944, and saw service in both World War II and the Korean Conflict as an Air-Controller First Class stationed in China.  Discharged in April 1949, he was called back into service during the Korean Conflict and served on the USS Bairoko, a small escort aircraft carrier.

Joe was staying with his sister in Los Angeles when she arranged a blind date with the back-door neighbor's younger sister.  It was love at first sight on August 18, 1949, when Joe met Ellen Connor. They were married on May 14, 1951, at St. Patrick's Rectory in Madison.  Their happiness extended more than thirty years, ending only with her death on July 24, 1981.

Joe worked for Burroughs Corporation for many years, selling accounting equipment to regional businesses.  He was a partner in one of the first retail computer stores in Madison, Computerland.  In retirement, Joe worked at the Dane County Regional Airport checking boarding passes.  He loved the work and looked forward to the monthly get-togethers he shared with his airport friends. 

Joe spent his life committed to both his family and the Madison community.  Over the course of his lifetime, Joe volunteered in many capacities.  He gave his time and energy to many organizations, including the Glendale School PTA and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in the 1960s.  He was also active with St. Maria Goretti Parish, Westside Optimists, Friendship Force of Wisconsin, and many other groups.  In 1981, he was awarded the Silver Beaver award from the Four Lakes Council of the Madison Boy Scouts for his record of service to scouting.  Joe was a founding member and chairman of the committee for the Madison High School Girls' Athletic Banquet Board, one of the first groups to recognize and reward excellence in high school girls' sports.  Even as his disease progressed, he was instrumental in setting up the Cancer Support Group at All Saint's Community.  He also volunteered in the Radiology Department at St. Mary's Hospital and at St. Mary's Care Center.

Joe was preceded in death by the love of his life, Ellen Connor Zaiman, and a son, Joseph E. Zaiman, Jr.  He was also preceded by his parents, his sister, Florence Binder, and his brother, Herman Zaiman.  

Joe is survived by his children: Cathy Olig (Dave), Clare Zaiman-Keen (Larry), Barb Slatter (Joe), and Dave Zaiman (Kim), and a daughter-in-law, Marilee Zaiman.  He was the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren:  Mike Olig (Jill), Chris Olig, Armand Riopelle (Nicole), Chelsey Keen, Renee Keen, Chrissy Jorgenson, Sarah Jorgenson (Anthony Becknek), Rachael Slatter, Maggie Slatter, JoEllen Slatter, AnnaTherese Slatter, Elizabeth Zaiman, Drake Riopelle, and Will Olig.  Joe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who note with a smile that, at holiday dinners, he made them eat their vegetables while his daughter ate hot dogs.  

Joe will also be remembered by his close friend, Bea Bretl.  For the last 28 years he and Bea traveled the world together, sharing both their lives and their families.  Joe became as much a part of Bea's family as he did his own.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Dean Hematology and Oncology.  He loved teasing you, but knew your skill and your compassion.  We also wish to thank the entire staff at HospiceCare for the phenomenal support provided to Joe and his family over the past eight months.  A special thank you to Heather and Laurel.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joe Zaiman Sr. Memorial at any US Bank location. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at St. Maria Goretti Church, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison. Joe's family will greet friends Friday, February 25th from 4 until 6 pm at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Avenue, Madison and also on Saturday at church after 9:30 am until the time of service. Inurnment will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery at a later date.