Everett Zwicky
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Life Story for Everett Edward "Ted" Zwicky

Zwicky, Everett Edward Jr. "Ted" Passed away peacefully in his daughter's home in Brookfield, Wisconsin, surrounded by family, Monday, August 10, 2015 one week shy of his 90th birthday. Ted was born in Kellogg, Idaho in 1925 to Louise and E.E. Zwicky Sr. From a young age, Ted aspired to be a mining/metallurgical engineer like his father. Ted excelled academically throughout his school years ("Except in penmanship," he would say), taking a particular interest in math. His curiosity, inquisitiveness, and disciplined nature propelled him to pursue his "love affair" with math and science after high school. He enrolled at New Mexico School of Mines (now New Mexico Tech) in Socorro, NM in 1942, majoring in metallurgical engineering. Touched by the war, as everyone was during those times, he enlisted with most of his classmates in the Navy V1 program during his freshman year. When the V1 enlistees were called to active duty in 1943, he was assigned to the University of New Mexico where he changed his focus to electrical engineering. This serendipitous assignment and relocation to Albuquerque lead to an off duty gig playing the saxophone at the U.S.O. It was at the U.S.O where Ted met Jean Pfleiderer, who would soon become his beloved wife and life partner for the next 59 years until her passing in 2005. Having found his "Little Jewel," Ted continued his studies and soon earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering (with special recognition for his academic achievements at the graduation ceremony). After graduation from UNM, Ted enrolled in Midshipman's School at Notre Dame. Upon conclusion of the 4 month program, he was assigned to a transport ship in San Francisco, California. The war soon ended, as did his time in the Navy. After an interview with Shell Oil yielded great interest but no available positions, the recruiter put him in touch with a personal contact at General Electric, recognizing that Ted was not a candidate to pass up. Ted interviewed with G.E. and landed a position as a mechanical engineer in Schenectady, New York, and he and Jean moved across the country. Here he would spend his entire 50+ year career, earning several patents and distinctions along the way. He loved every moment of his job at G.E., and only retired, he said, "because they made me." Retirement at age 70 marked a new chapter for Jean and him. They spent the next several years travelling the world and visiting their growing family.The only thing Ted loved more than learning was his family. He was more than a talented engineer and scientist; he was a dedicated husband and father too. Together, he and Jean raised 5 children in Latham, NY. The family's time together in their home on Riviera Drive was punctuated by days spent ice skating on the Ted-crafted ice rink in the backyard, kite flying with a reel that never seemed to run out of string, watching the birds (and squirrels) come to the feeders, an assortment of cherished pets (though he himself was not an animal lover), and the nearly annual cross country trek to Albuquerque to visit Jean's family. Ted picked a different route for each trip, and inspired his children to take in as much about the world around them as possible. Ted also had a love of gardening and was always growing beautiful flowers for the family to enjoy. Ted's love of life and always cheery attitude was infectious to all who knew him. He often said he had a "silver cloud" following him around because his life was full of blessings. Really, he was the blessing to those lucky enough to know him. His quick wit, positive disposition, sense of humor, encyclopedia-like knowledge about things far and wide, command of the English language, selflessness, humbleness, humility, and authenticity were truly remarkable. His many successes in life were never motivated by want of attention or material - he truly loved to learn and share with others. He was always smiling and had a laugh that resonated pure joy. Even in his last few days as he peacefully slept, he did so with a smile on his face. He would say in every circumstance there was no reason not to be cheerful, and he modeled these words every day of his life. Though he is no longer with us on Earth, his family finds great comfort knowing Ted is with Our Heavenly Father, his beloved wife, his mother, father, brother, and so many other adored family members in heaven. Ted is celebrated by his surviving family members: children Lynne (Joe) Gucwa, Sherry (Bob) Riley, Penny (Craig) Hall, Kim (Jeff) Turmel, Bill (Emily) Zwicky; grandchildren Amy (Brian) Maltzan, Chris (Jason) Riley, Adam (Nicole) Salvitti-Gucwa, Megan (Ron) Tiboni, Katie (Joel) Shankster, Kelly (Greg) Pelkie, Jackie Turmel, Lindsey Hall, Anna Zwicky, Abby Zwicky; and great-grandchildren Aurelia Maltzan and a new baby girl on the way. A celebration of Ted's life is pending, and will be held in Latham NY.The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Aurora Hospice at Home and Synergy Homecare for the outstanding and compassionate care they provided to Ted during his months in Brookfield. Our deepest thanks to Amanda, Lori, Dr. Ragalie, Nadia, and April.

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