Zimmerman, Nathan H.
On October 27, 2023 my best friend, my lover, my business partner and partner for life, Nate the Great entered the gates of Heaven, truly “Blessed by the Best.”
Born in Hartford, CT at St. Francis Hospital to parents Herbert and Ruth (Gordon) Zimmerman, Nate graduated William Hall High School in West Hartford June 1956, entering military service in the Army that year.
Nate graduated from the First Army Drill Sergeant Academy at Fort Dix NJ in July 1966 and served at several military bases training drill sergeants during the Vietnam War. He was Assistant Commandant of the First Army Non Commissioned Officer Academy and Commandant of the Drill Sergeant Academy at Fort Devens, MA. He also served as a volunteer with the Israel Army for two tours.
Among the many medals received were two meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, and two National Defense Medals. He retired from Fort Huachuca, AZ having served proudly with honor and distinction.
After his active duty, he worked in the Food Service Industry as a Chef with Hilton Hotels in Hartford and opened the Tarrytown Hilton Inn in NY; Executive Chef at the University of Hartford and several country clubs, restaurants and others. Nate was President of the Connecticut Chef's Association, Chairman of the Board of Les Amis d'escoffier Society and Senior Chef with the American Culinary Federation.
This is where I come into his life, Shirley, his wife; During his Real Estate career, Nate served as Vice President and Sales Director for the resort community of Lakeridge in Torrington. We began Northwest Corner Properties, a real estate company that serviced not only Lakeridge but other developments and properties. Nate had over 40 year's membership with the Litchfield County Board of Realtors.
A man of great faith, Nate believed the words of 1 Timothy 1:5 “Love comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” His legacy of that faith will live on with those lives he touched through Tres Dias and Kairos Prison Ministry, active until the last days of his life.
Besides me, Nate leaves brothers Arnold and Joel and their families; his former wife, Ina Zimmerman, and his children: Steven and Kevin, Stacey Zimmerman, and Tammy-beth Ubides and grandchildren Jadyn and Isaiah Ubides, and Sarah Zimmerman. The children he helped raise and loved as his own are Christopher and Jonathan Krone, Catherine Kyres, Margaret Koester and Rachael Hardee and grandchildren Megan and Luke Koester, Mia and Cooper Krone, Casey Kyres, Emma and Lilly Hardee, Elise Krone.
There will be a private graveside service at East Cemetery in Litchfield at 1:00 on Friday, November 3 with military and ecumenical services. Friends will be invited to attend a series of Celebrations of Life for Nate at venues to be announced monthly.
Shiva will be at our home in Bantam.
In lieu of flowers, Nate had requested that contributions benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital; Tunnel to Towers for Veterans; or any Pro Life organization of choice.
To send an online condolence, kindly visit www.thurstonrowefuneralhome.com.
Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries