Joseph Julius “Joe” Zimmer
April 10, 1945 - April 16, 2026
Joseph Julius “Joe” Zimmer, 81, of Newark, DE, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Born in Bristol, CT, on April 10, 1945, and known as “Kit” during his youth, he was the son of the late Joseph Julius Zimmer, Sr., and Marguerite (Mulpeter) Zimmer. Joe earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant College in Providence, RI. While in college, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Joe owned Mr. Steak on Kirkwood Highway. He later owned and operated a window cleaning business and also opened a concession and merchandise stand at the Playhouse Theatre on Rodney Square, which he and his wife, Sharon, ran together for 25 years.
Joe enjoyed spending his free time outdoors, especially camping and whitewater rafting with his family and friends. After his children left for college, he frequently spent his summers in Saratoga, NY, and particularly looked forward to cheering on the Boston Red Sox each baseball season. Joe loved traveling to new places, especially during retirement with Sharon. He loved a good joke and would repeat his favorites often, usually being both the first and last to laugh; he was truly one of a kind.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Paradis. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sharon (Kay) Zimmer; his children, Michael Joseph Zimmer (Jason Schafer) and Andrea Z. Geraldi (Russell); his grandchildren, Claudia Kay Geraldi, Zimmer Russell Geraldi, and Max Ike Geraldi; and his sister, Laurie LeBlanc.
All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to the Red Sox Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 411217, Boston, MA 02241 or online by clicking here.
Joe Tomaselli
I don’t know how I’m going to do this’ torn between the love and joy I’ve had with Joe for over 60 years and the pain that I feel for his passing. But, here goes: We met in 1965 when he pledged the fraternity that I was in and he was assigned to be my “little brother”. That meant that for 2 weeks he was my slave. His strength of character carried him through and he proved his determination.
From there for many years we each had marriages, familes, and careers but usually found a way to meet up in Newport and then, as the years moved on up in Saratoga. We didn’t always bet on the winning horse, but we always had a laugh and a beer…or 2.
In retirement Joe kept me appraised of both Michael and Andrea and his grandkids with love as we spoke 1 or 2 times a week on the phone. No call ever ended without each of us proclaing that we loved the other. I had neverore done that bef
Joe Tomaselli
…I was cut off, soorry.
I had never done that with any other friend; but I meant it and I know that he did.
I have so very many happy memories of Joe ( and Sharon) but bevity begs that I take the blame for any bad jokes. Joe, my BEST FRIEND, you enriched my life-as I’m sure that you did for others. You always cared for others more than you did for yourself.
So for the last time, Joe- I love you until we meet again…And share a joke and a beer together.
Barbara Lewis
Offering my heartfelt condolences to your family on your very sad loss.
Caroline Roberts
My deepest condolences to the entire Zimmer family. I’ll always remember Joe with such fondness. I know he was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. Sending you all my love.
Patti Berk
Sharon, we’re so sorry to hear your news, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Nancy Farrington
Sharon I’m so very sorry you losing Joe and so quickly! But you have the great memories of your travels and old tv shows. To Andrea and Michael the loss of your amazing Dad. I’m sure he will still be reading that morning paper and say a joke or two. RIP Joe.
Pete Tatarzewski
Barbara and I shared many wonderful times with Joe and Sharon during our Bryant years and after He was truly one of the good guys. Rest in peace brother.
Helen Durbano
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.
dennis d brogan
Sharon, Michael and Andrea – so sorry for your loss. Joe was a truly great guy, who permanently, and positively, impacted my life 50+ years ago, working for him at Mr. Steak. Life lessons required in that job as a “kid”, and when I totaled his car with his response when learning no one was hurt was “it’s only a car”, have stayed with me since. Working, rafting and hearing his laughter will stay with me all my days. An honor and blessing to know Joe, and his lovely wife, Sharon. Wishing you all much peace. Dennis
“
Nick Nichols
So sorry for your loss. We had some great times together. I will never forget all the great times we had in the past.
Nick Nichols
Greg & Berni McNulty
Dear Sharon and Family,
Greg and I are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a great conversationalist. We enjoyed listening to his stories (especially when I would “bump’ into him at Shop Rite back in the day). May he rest in peace.
Our thoughts are with all of you,
Greg and Berni McNulty
Judy Simpson
Sharon, I am so sorry to read that Joe passed away. I will always remember his Mac & Cheese (it was the best).
Judy Simpson