LEON L. ZOLET's Obituary
Lee Zolet, devoted husband of Linda (sister of Albert and Carol Effrat, Morris and Hy Zolet, and Lillian Chapnick), father of Brian (spouse Ula ), and Stephanie (spouse Alan), Grandfather of Rebeca, Liam, Fletcher, Marta and Tomek passed from this life on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at the age of 83. Cause of death was congestive heart failure.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, married to Linda for 56 years and raised his young family on Long Island. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland, played football and lacrosse for their teams, and received his Masters Degree in Secondary Administration from Hofstra University. He was a Physical Education teacher, football and lacrosse coach, and after 30 consecutive years there, at the time of his retirement, Director of Guidance at General Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown, Long Island, N.Y.
Lee served in the Army for 2 years in Germany and 6 years in the reserves. He had been voted “Coach of the Year” by Newsday, won more than 100 games with his Generals’ Lacrosse teams, helped develop 5 All-American Lacrosse athletes, and was a participating member of the Chabad of Wellington.
His core of friends after retirement included a proud group of Senior tennis players in the Wellington Tennis Center.
His legacy will live on in the hearts, minds, spirit, and actions of the many young students to whom he was dedicated. Known as “Papa Bear” (in secret) by his players, each youngster’s life he touched reflected the mark of goodness, generosity, honor, and respect. He adored each member of his family, and placed the needs and wants of all others before his own. He was the protector, and inspiration for countless numbers of adults who contribute meaningful positivities to communities everywhere. The love that he gave, and received emanated around him wherever he went. He was humble, and funny, and appreciative. He loved life, was proud of his family, and often said that he ” would not have changed a minute of it “. May the goodness that he shared be reflected by all who knew him and will always miss him.
Donations may be made to Operation Smile (6435 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk, VA 23509) or the Chabad of Wellington (13860 Wellington Trace Ste 4, Wellington, FL 33414)
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