Edward Joseph Zenker

Edward “Ed” J. Zenker, 87, a longtime resident of Gambrills, Maryland, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ed carried with him the values of hard work, service, and dedication throughout his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960, an experience that remained a source of pride for him for many years.

Following his military service, Ed built a distinguished career as a computer specialist and software engineer with NASA, where he spent his entire professional life contributing his skills and expertise during an era of remarkable technological advancement and exploration. He helped develop software for the NOAA weather drone for NASA.

Outside of his work, Ed was known for his deep love of gardening. As a member of the Four Seasons Garden Club, he found great joy in tending to both flower and vegetable gardens. Friends and neighbors often admired his impressive harvests and looked forward to the delicious vegetables he generously shared, especially his peppers and tomatoes. His towering sunflowers, in particular, yielded seeds for everyone. His lawn was the greenest on the block and he did the landscaping for St Joseph Catholic Church.

Ed also enjoyed an active life filled with sports and community activities. Ed was often found at St Joseph's on Bingo nights cooking in the kitchen and helping others. He was an avid golfer and ten-pin bowler, and in his younger years he spent time refereeing youth basketball games. He was a loyal fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. He could often be found cheering them on, while also occasionally rooting for the New York Giants. He donated over 50 gallons of blood to American Red Cross.

Above all, Ed treasured time spent with his family. He especially cherished the years he shared with his beloved late wife and the many memories made with his sons and grandchildren. Ed loved homemade apple cake, steamed crabs, and Coors light beer.

Devoted husband of 57 years to the late Patricia M. Zenker; beloved father of Scott (Dee), Todd (Lisa), and Glenn (Sofia); loving brother of Caroline Fuelling; cherished grandfather of Doug, Ed, Stephanie, Zoe, Bradley, Benjamin, Daniel, Jen and Nicholas; and great-grandfather of Kylie, Sam, Nathan, Adelaide, Madelyn, and Rosalie. Proceeded in death by his siblings Margaret Tabasso, Dorothy Roeske, Elsie Zenker, Henry Zenker, Anna Vignato, Robert Zenker Sr, Theresa Kannofsky and Joan Supino.

Ed Zenker will be remembered for his quiet dedication, his love of the outdoors, his sense of humor, and the kindness he shared with those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in his name to American Red Cross, Wounded Warrior Project, or St Jude

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