DOVER - Dr. Arthur F. Zimmerman, Sr., a Dover surgeon, died on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at home after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Art was born Sept. 27, 1927, in Scranton, Pa. to the late Arthur and Elizabeth Lunney Zimmerman. He grew up in Clark Summit, Pa., and attended high school there. Art was president of his class, graduated in 3 ½ years and then attended the University of Scranton, on full scholarship. He graduated Magna Cum Laude. Art attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Medical Degree. He also completed his internship and his surgical residency at the University of Pennsylvania. While serving in the medical R.O.T.C he was called to active duty in the Army and served two years at the Landstuhl Second General Hospital in Germany in the Department of Surgery. Art returned to the University of Pennsylvania to complete his residency in 1959.
He practiced General and Vascular surgery in Wilmington prior to moving to Dover to join Dr. Lawrence Baker, a former surgical resident classmate at the University of Pennsylvania. Art introduced Angiography and Vascular Surgery to Kent General Hospital. He practiced in Dover until his retirement, in 1995. Following his retirement he worked as a surgeon at several Indian Reservations in North Dakota.
His favorite pastimes were fresh water fishing, golfing, skiing, reading and traveling. Art was a member of Nu Sigma Nu medical fraternity, Medical Society of Delaware, American College of Surgeons, South Western Surgical Society, AMA, Friends of Old Dover, Maple Dale Country Club and Holy Cross Catholic Church.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother George, George's wife Maureen and his nephew Georgie.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Retta Chase Zimmerman of Dover; stepchildren, Jeffrey M. Chase, MD and Jill M. Chase, Esq.; his first wife, Barbara Zimmerman, mother of his children, Arthur F. Zimmerman, Jr. (Lisa), Mary Beth Zimmerman (a great caregiver), Catherine Zimmerman and Thomas Zimmerman; grandchildren, Norman Blair and Zachary Todd, and Hannah Zimmerman; step grandchildren, James, Paige, Jenna, Pierce, and Nolan Chase; and nieces, Julanne, Mari, Liz, Heidi, Suzanne and Krista.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 2, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State Street, Dover. Friends may call one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 or Bayhealth Foundation, 640 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901 or a charity of your choice.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com