Oscar Zeller

Memorial Services for Mr. Oscar Zeller, 87, who entered into rest September 23, 2024, will be conducted Monday morning at 10 o’clock from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church with full mass. Father J. Patrick Quinn officiating. Private family interment will be held in Oaklawn Cemetery, Jacksonville, Fl.

Oscar was a native of the Dominican Republic, having fled the country at the young age of 4. He originally resided in Jacksonville, Florida before making New Smyrna Beach his home for the past 44 years. He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Oscar attended Landon High School in Jacksonville and was part of the class of 1954. He was a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, earning his degree in Industrial Engineering, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After designing highways in Atlanta, he returned to Jacksonville and took over his father’s business, Zeller Machinery. He belonged to Masonic Lodge 187 (William B Barnett Lodge) in Jacksonville becoming a Master Mason in 1971.

He later moved to New Smyrna Beach, where he owned Edgewater Machine & Fabricators, designing and manufacturing deck equipment for the maritime industry. Oscar was involved in his community. He was a past commodore of Anglers Yacht Club of New Smyrna Beach. Oscar was on the City of Edgewater Economic Development Board and served 2 terms as a New Smyrna Beach Utilities Commissioner. His love for business and community had him mentoring and advising many other business owners. He continued to work as a consultant after he retired.

Oscar was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed talking about and wearing anything Georgia Tech. He spent much of his on the water - fishing and boating. He loved sitting on his dock watching the river or catching fish. He spent many hours enjoying his children's and grandchildren's company and was always there to offer them, support, and advice. He loved travel, with his business taking him around the world frequently. He was an excellent cook and spoiled the family by making a Spanish Christmas dinner himself every year. He loved gatherings and entertaining. He knew something about everything and never met a stranger he couldn't draw into a conversation about some random location, fact, or cuisine. Oscar loved animals: he was a supporter of the local animal shelter and rescues often requesting dog food donations instead of gifts for his birthday presents and always had a pack of spoiled dogs at home.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Barbara Ann Zeller; two sons, Joey Zeller (Sandy) and Jon Zeller, and two daughters, Keely Exum (John) and Megan Zeller; a sister, Hilda Zeller Stango, and 7 grandchildren, Katherine, Alexandra, and Joseph Zeller; Layne Zeller; and Emilia, Arthur, Kate, and Edward Exum. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Emilio and Hilda Cordero Zeller; a brother, Emilio Zeller III, and grandson, Garrett Bowden Zeller.

The family will receive friends at the Z Ranch, 2001 South Glencoe Road following the Monday service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Paws Abilities Rescue Group or SE Volusia Humane Society.