Jerome "Jerry" Zaback, 74

DOVER - Jerome "Jerry" Zaback of Dover died Sunday, July 8, 2007, in Westminster Village Health Center. He was 74.

Mr. Zaback was born Jan. 2, 1933, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late Mollie and Frank Zaback, Russian immigrants.

He earned a science medal from Haren High School where he graduated in 1951.

Mr. Zaback joined the U.S. Navy and served at the rank of seaman on the USS Ingraham during the Korean War from 1951-1953. Following his discharge, he attended the University of Miami, to study mechanical engineering for two years while driving a cab at night. In 1955 he enlisted in the Air Force and began his work as a draftsman. He served on active duty in Germany in Air Force communications from 1960 to 1963 during the construction of the Berlin Wall, and during President Kennedy"s famous visit to Berlin.

Mr. Zaback learned fluent German while stationed there and, in addition to his regular work, he was often called on as a translator by the commander of his Radio Relay Squadron.

In 1963 the Air Force transferred him to Dover Air Force Base. He brought with him a collection of European militaria including patches, badges and insignia and other collectables. In 1964 he opened a small booth in the Carroll"s Farmers Market to sell these items as well as wool gloves and other surplus items. In 1965 he made the decision to make Dover his permanent home. He was discharged from the Air Force, and went to work for Playtex as a draftsman. While maintaining his fledgling business, Mr. Zaback took great pride in working on ILC"s Apollo Project and meeting the astronauts as they came for fittings of their suits.

In 1965 the Dover Army-Navy store was opened and became an entity on Loockerman Street. Mr. Zaback left Playtex, earned a teaching certificate and taught drafting and design at the Vocational Technical High School in Woodside from 1968 to 1983 while simultaneously handling all the details for his business. In 1967 the Army Navy store became incorporated and purchased the Odd Fellows Building which once housed the Temple Theatre. In 1985 son, Frank was welcomed to the business, and is the current owner.

Mr. Zaback never forgot growing up in Brooklyn during the depression. One very embarrassing incident occurred when he was 6 years old. He remembered when two welfare ladies took him in a car to purchase a pair of shoes for him so he could attend school. Mr. Zaback worked very hard to provide for his family. He was proud of being a good provider, and he was proud of helping each of his sons to achieve a college education. He was generous with anyone in need, and many individuals were the recipients of his goodwill.

Mr. Zaback was always active in the community contributing his time to various organizations which included scouting, Vocational Industries Clubs of America (VICA where two of his students won national recognition in mechanical and architectural drawing), PTA (he ran for school board in 1973), Korean War Veterans and Jewish War Veterans. He also played an active role in the history of Congregation Beth Shalom in Dover. As a member for more than 40 years he held numerous offices and chaired many fund raisers including formal balls, bingo and flea markets. He served as president of the congregation from 1975-1976. In retirement, Mr. Zaback delivered Meals on Wheels, and volunteered at the Cancer Center and Kent General Hospital.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Charlotte Zaback of Dover; three sons and their wives, Frank and Ellen Zaback of Dover, Allan and Faith Zaback of Wilmington and Lon and Shelly (Loomus) Zaback of Farmington Hills, Mich.; five grandsons, Andrew, Justin, Joshua, Ian and Kyle; a granddaughter, Kara; two step-grandsons, Alex Kavner and Josh Kavner; his beloved brother, Edward Zaback; his sister, Edith Waldman; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Congregation Beth Sholom, 340 N. Queen St., Dover, where friends may call at 1 p.m.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, PO Box 223, Dover, DE 19903.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com.