Leonard "Zimmy" Zimmerman

Zimmy attended Hillside High School where he participated in the baseball, football and track teams. He graduated in 1947 and attended Seton Hall College. In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Vivian Barnett. That same year, he joined the family highway and road construction firm. The Zimmerman Construction Corporation grew to become one of New Jersey’s premiere road and bridge building contractors. The firm constructed portions of New Jersey’s Interstate System including sections of Routes 18, 38, 78, 80, 280, the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. They were the first to construct what is now known as the “Jersey Barrier,” on a section of Route 22 in Union County.

Before moving down the shore, Zimmy was an active member of the Hillside community, where he contributed as the head coach of the Pop Warner Team, the Little League and as a member of the Hillside Probus Club. In 1968, Zimmy and Vivian relocated their family to West Long Branch where they resided for 54 wonderful years. In his leisure time, Zimmy enjoyed going to the beach, the racetrack, playing golf and fishing. Zimmy was manager of the Four Star Farms thoroughbred racing stable and continued his love of the races throughout his whole life.

Zimmy is survived by his wife Vivian Zimmerman of 72 years; son Ross Zimmerman and his wife Teri; son Michael Zimmerman and his wife Robyne; grandson Evan Zimmerman and his wife Erica; grandson Jake Zimmerman and his wife Emma; and his four great-grandchildren: Penelope, Azalea, Grace and Max.

Mr. Zimmerman was preceded in death by his parents; brother Harry Zimmerman; sister Minnie Lowenstein; and sister Lillie Duboff.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, 2130 Highway 35, Ocean, New Jersey 07712.

The committal service and shiva will both be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Zimmy's memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Central & Northern New Jersey, 145 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 (www.rmh-cnj.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bloomfieldcooperocean.com for the Zimmerman family.

“Life is but a journey and I sure enjoyed the ride.”