Edward Paul Zembal, 95, former resident of Grays Harbor, passed away in Farmington, New Mexico, Monday, May 28, 2018. He was born September 1, 1922 in Aberdeen, Washington, the son of Michael and Victoria (Sutor) Zembal.
Ed was raised on a farm near Aberdeen as one of eleven children. He attended local schools and worked hard with the other children to raise food for the family during the Great Depression. After graduating from high school, he attended St. Martin’s College, Lacey, WA until enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He served his country during the war along with his three brothers; Joe, James, and Julian, as well as his sister Tillie, who was a nurse. After World War II, he went back to St. Martin’s College and earned a degree in education. He made significant accomplishments in education in Catholic Schools as well as while working on the Navajo Reservation from 1968-1985.
In 1985 he retired from education and married, Paz Somoza, the love of his life, in Dumaguete, Philippines. As a life-long Roman Catholic and long-time member of Sacred Heart Church in Farmington New Mexico, he believed in living by faith and answering to God through his faith. He and Paz bought properties in the Farmington area and were extremely generous in assisting those in need with their leases.
Ed is survived by his wife Paz Zembal, a sister, Pauline Lehmann, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victoria and Michael Zembal, brothers Joseph Zembal, James Zembal, Julian Zembal, and sisters Anna Kleczynski, Frances Gurrard, Sophie Kleczynski, Rose McCarter, Tillie Cespedes, Jean Murphy, and adopted daughter and son Theresa & Thomas Zembal.
A Funeral Mass was held in Farmington at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, May 31, 2018. Graveside services will be held at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, WA, Tuesday, June 5th at 10:00 AM where he will be laid to rest beside his mother and father. Catholic burial rites will be given by St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Military Honors will be presented by the Aberdeen VFW Honor Guard. Reception location will announced at the service.
A card of condolence with a memory or a message may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements in Aberdeen are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home.
In parting, he has one request of all living in this great country: To live as One Nation under God and to Live in Love, by Faith and Accountability.