William Edward Zapf Jr., 74, passed away on Oct. 26, 2022.
"The warrior is finally resting in peace," William "Bill" Zapf once wrote this about a fellow Vietnam veteran. Because "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness," we can find no better words to announce the passing of Bill Zapf. "The warrior is finally resting in peace."
William Edward Zapf Jr., was born on June 20, 1948, to parents, William and Jean. The oldest of six children, Bill was a natural leader; first to his family, then to his North End neighborhood, then to his school, and then to his country.
Bill excelled in school and sports, graduating from LaSalle High School in 1966. At LaSalle, he was named All Potomac Valley Conference for football as a running back and was the Tri-State Area and Cumberland City scoring champion in 1965 with 14 touchdowns, and was later inducted into the Western Maryland Catholic Hall of Fame. Bill went on to play football and lacrosse at the Naval Academy Preparatory School and the United States Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1971 and was commissioned as a surface warfare officer. Bill served on active duty in the Navy for five years, including aboard the destroyer USS Hamner (DD 718). Amongst his awards was the Combat Action Service Ribbon for his ship's gallantry in Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam. Amid intense gunfire, USS Hamner rescued a downed Navy pilot, earning recognition from President Nixon. Bill would find meaning through these harrowing experiences, always quick to help a fellow veteran and empathic to other people's hardships.
Anyone who knew Bill. knew that Cumberland was in his bones. He loved the city and its people, always happy to explain why the Queen City was actually "the center of the universe." So after his military service, including earning a master's degree in business administration from Chapman College, he came home to serve his community. Bill was the owner of Cumberland North American Van Lines. He served as an assistant football coach for the Bishop Walsh football team from 1976 to 1990, established and coached the Frostburg State College club lacrosse team, and served in various leadership positions, including within St. Patrick's Parish Council, the Special Olympics, Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 172), and the International Order of Alhambra (Wamba Caravan 89). He was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Parish.
Perhaps Bill's proudest achievement was his four children, one of whom he favored more than the others. Bill was known for his quick wit, including his appreciation for the absurd and banal. He was a historian, a keen observer, and master of genealogy. He could befriend anyone and appreciated his title as the "Tavern Mensa Chapter Head." He never passed up a Naval Academy Class of '71 tailgater, nor a good conversation at Oscar's.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Zapf Sr., and Jean Arlene (Golden) Zapf; his sister, Patricia (Zapf) Bowser and his wife, Philomena (Arnone) Zapf. He is survived by his four children, William Zapf III, Allison Watkins (John Watkins), Bridgid Harchick (Matthew Harchick), and Lauren Zapf, Naval Academy, Class of 2003 (Zachary Cole); his grandchildren, Landon Watkins, Andrew Watkins, Adele Zapf, Sullivan Watkins, Roman Harchick, Bennett Zapf, Luca Harchick, Graham Cole, Rocco Harchick, and Samuel Cole; his siblings, Doris Baker (Larry), Edward Zapf (Pam), James Zapf (Rondal), and Alan Zapf (Julie); and many other family members and friends; as well as his companion, Jane Wright, with whom he enjoyed many wonderful adventures.
Friends will be received at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Hwy., SW, Cresaptown, on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at SS Peter and Paul Church on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. Military honors will be accorded by Fort Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard. A December ceremony is being planned at the Naval Academy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Allegany Youth Enrichment Program, Inc. (AYEPS), 119 N. Centre Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502.
"The warrior is finally resting in peace," William "Bill" Zapf once wrote this about a fellow Vietnam veteran. Because "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness," we can find no better words to announce the passing of Bill Zapf. "The warrior is finally resting in peace."
William Edward Zapf Jr., was born on June 20, 1948, to parents, William and Jean. The oldest of six children, Bill was a natural leader; first to his family, then to his North End neighborhood, then to his school, and then to his country.
Bill excelled in school and sports, graduating from LaSalle High School in 1966. At LaSalle, he was named All Potomac Valley Conference for football as a running back and was the Tri-State Area and Cumberland City scoring champion in 1965 with 14 touchdowns, and was later inducted into the Western Maryland Catholic Hall of Fame. Bill went on to play football and lacrosse at the Naval Academy Preparatory School and the United States Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1971 and was commissioned as a surface warfare officer. Bill served on active duty in the Navy for five years, including aboard the destroyer USS Hamner (DD 718). Amongst his awards was the Combat Action Service Ribbon for his ship's gallantry in Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam. Amid intense gunfire, USS Hamner rescued a downed Navy pilot, earning recognition from President Nixon. Bill would find meaning through these harrowing experiences, always quick to help a fellow veteran and empathic to other people's hardships.
Anyone who knew Bill. knew that Cumberland was in his bones. He loved the city and its people, always happy to explain why the Queen City was actually "the center of the universe." So after his military service, including earning a master's degree in business administration from Chapman College, he came home to serve his community. Bill was the owner of Cumberland North American Van Lines. He served as an assistant football coach for the Bishop Walsh football team from 1976 to 1990, established and coached the Frostburg State College club lacrosse team, and served in various leadership positions, including within St. Patrick's Parish Council, the Special Olympics, Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 172), and the International Order of Alhambra (Wamba Caravan 89). He was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Parish.
Perhaps Bill's proudest achievement was his four children, one of whom he favored more than the others. Bill was known for his quick wit, including his appreciation for the absurd and banal. He was a historian, a keen observer, and master of genealogy. He could befriend anyone and appreciated his title as the "Tavern Mensa Chapter Head." He never passed up a Naval Academy Class of '71 tailgater, nor a good conversation at Oscar's.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Zapf Sr., and Jean Arlene (Golden) Zapf; his sister, Patricia (Zapf) Bowser and his wife, Philomena (Arnone) Zapf. He is survived by his four children, William Zapf III, Allison Watkins (John Watkins), Bridgid Harchick (Matthew Harchick), and Lauren Zapf, Naval Academy, Class of 2003 (Zachary Cole); his grandchildren, Landon Watkins, Andrew Watkins, Adele Zapf, Sullivan Watkins, Roman Harchick, Bennett Zapf, Luca Harchick, Graham Cole, Rocco Harchick, and Samuel Cole; his siblings, Doris Baker (Larry), Edward Zapf (Pam), James Zapf (Rondal), and Alan Zapf (Julie); and many other family members and friends; as well as his companion, Jane Wright, with whom he enjoyed many wonderful adventures.
Friends will be received at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Hwy., SW, Cresaptown, on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at SS Peter and Paul Church on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. Military honors will be accorded by Fort Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard. A December ceremony is being planned at the Naval Academy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Allegany Youth Enrichment Program, Inc. (AYEPS), 119 N. Centre Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502.
William Edward Zapf Jr., 74, passed away on Oct. 26, 2022.
"The warrior is finally resting in peace," William "Bill" Zapf once wrote this about a fellow Vietnam veteran. Because "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness," we can find no better words to announce the passing of Bill Zapf. "The warrior is finally resting in peace."
William Edward Zapf Jr., was born on June 20, 1948, to parents, William and Jean. The oldest of six children, Bill was a natural leader; first to his family, then to his North End neighborhood, then to his school, and then to his country.
Bill excelled in school and sports, graduating from LaSalle High School in 1966. At LaSalle, he was named All Potomac Valley Conference for football as a running back and was the Tri-State Area and Cumberland City scoring champion in 1965 with 14 touchdowns, and was later inducted into the Western Maryland Catholic Hall of Fame. Bill went on to play football and lacrosse at the Naval Academy Preparatory School and the United States Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1971 and was commissioned as a surface warfare officer. Bill served on active duty in the Navy for five years, including aboard the destroyer USS Hamner (DD 718). Amongst his awards was the Combat Action Service Ribbon for his ship's gallantry in Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam. Amid intense gunfire, USS Hamner rescued a downed Navy pilot, earning recognition from President Nixon. Bill would find meaning through these harrowing experiences, always quick to help a fellow veteran and empathic to other people's hardships.
Anyone who knew Bill. knew that Cumberland was in his bones. He loved the city and its people, always happy to explain why the Queen City was actually "the center of the universe." So after his military service, including earning a master's degree in business administration from Chapman College, he came home to serve his community. Bill was the owner of Cumberland North American Van Lines. He served as an assistant football coach for the Bishop Walsh football team from 1976 to 1990, established and coached the Frostburg State College club lacrosse team, and served in various leadership positions, including within St. Patrick's Parish Council, the Special Olympics, Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 172), and the International Order of Alhambra (Wamba Caravan 89). He was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Parish.
Perhaps Bill's proudest achievement was his four children, one of whom he favored more than the others. Bill was known for his quick wit, including his appreciation for the absurd and banal. He was a historian, a keen observer, and master of genealogy. He could befriend anyone and appreciated his title as the "Tavern Mensa Chapter Head." He never passed up a Naval Academy Class of '71 tailgater, nor a good conversation at Oscar's.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Zapf Sr., and Jean Arlene (Golden) Zapf; his sister, Patricia (Zapf) Bowser and his wife, Philomena (Arnone) Zapf. He is survived by his four children, William Zapf III, Allison Watkins (John Watkins), Bridgid Harchick (Matthew Harchick), and Lauren Zapf, Naval Academy, Class of 2003 (Zachary Cole); his grandchildren, Landon Watkins, Andrew Watkins, Adele Zapf, Sullivan Watkins, Roman Harchick, Bennett Zapf, Luca Harchick, Graham Cole, Rocco Harchick, and Samuel Cole; his siblings, Doris Baker (Larry), Edward Zapf (Pam), James Zapf (Rondal), and Alan Zapf (Julie); and many other family members and friends; as well as his companion, Jane Wright, with whom he enjoyed many wonderful adventures.
Friends will be received at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Hwy., SW, Cresaptown, on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at SS Peter and Paul Church on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. Military honors will be accorded by Fort Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard. A December ceremony is being planned at the Naval Academy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Allegany Youth Enrichment Program, Inc. (AYEPS), 119 N. Centre Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502.
"The warrior is finally resting in peace," William "Bill" Zapf once wrote this about a fellow Vietnam veteran. Because "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness," we can find no better words to announce the passing of Bill Zapf. "The warrior is finally resting in peace."
William Edward Zapf Jr., was born on June 20, 1948, to parents, William and Jean. The oldest of six children, Bill was a natural leader; first to his family, then to his North End neighborhood, then to his school, and then to his country.
Bill excelled in school and sports, graduating from LaSalle High School in 1966. At LaSalle, he was named All Potomac Valley Conference for football as a running back and was the Tri-State Area and Cumberland City scoring champion in 1965 with 14 touchdowns, and was later inducted into the Western Maryland Catholic Hall of Fame. Bill went on to play football and lacrosse at the Naval Academy Preparatory School and the United States Naval Academy. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1971 and was commissioned as a surface warfare officer. Bill served on active duty in the Navy for five years, including aboard the destroyer USS Hamner (DD 718). Amongst his awards was the Combat Action Service Ribbon for his ship's gallantry in Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam. Amid intense gunfire, USS Hamner rescued a downed Navy pilot, earning recognition from President Nixon. Bill would find meaning through these harrowing experiences, always quick to help a fellow veteran and empathic to other people's hardships.
Anyone who knew Bill. knew that Cumberland was in his bones. He loved the city and its people, always happy to explain why the Queen City was actually "the center of the universe." So after his military service, including earning a master's degree in business administration from Chapman College, he came home to serve his community. Bill was the owner of Cumberland North American Van Lines. He served as an assistant football coach for the Bishop Walsh football team from 1976 to 1990, established and coached the Frostburg State College club lacrosse team, and served in various leadership positions, including within St. Patrick's Parish Council, the Special Olympics, Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 172), and the International Order of Alhambra (Wamba Caravan 89). He was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Parish.
Perhaps Bill's proudest achievement was his four children, one of whom he favored more than the others. Bill was known for his quick wit, including his appreciation for the absurd and banal. He was a historian, a keen observer, and master of genealogy. He could befriend anyone and appreciated his title as the "Tavern Mensa Chapter Head." He never passed up a Naval Academy Class of '71 tailgater, nor a good conversation at Oscar's.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Zapf Sr., and Jean Arlene (Golden) Zapf; his sister, Patricia (Zapf) Bowser and his wife, Philomena (Arnone) Zapf. He is survived by his four children, William Zapf III, Allison Watkins (John Watkins), Bridgid Harchick (Matthew Harchick), and Lauren Zapf, Naval Academy, Class of 2003 (Zachary Cole); his grandchildren, Landon Watkins, Andrew Watkins, Adele Zapf, Sullivan Watkins, Roman Harchick, Bennett Zapf, Luca Harchick, Graham Cole, Rocco Harchick, and Samuel Cole; his siblings, Doris Baker (Larry), Edward Zapf (Pam), James Zapf (Rondal), and Alan Zapf (Julie); and many other family members and friends; as well as his companion, Jane Wright, with whom he enjoyed many wonderful adventures.
Friends will be received at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Hwy., SW, Cresaptown, on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at SS Peter and Paul Church on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. Military honors will be accorded by Fort Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard. A December ceremony is being planned at the Naval Academy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Allegany Youth Enrichment Program, Inc. (AYEPS), 119 N. Centre Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502.
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