In Memory of John Charles “Poppy” Zimdars

Obituary

John Charles “Poppy” Zimdars, 87, of New Hartford, died May 4, 2022 at Faxton- St. Luke’s Healthcare.

He was born February 13, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late John C., Sr. and Anna Bilinski Zimdars. He grew up in Utica and graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1953, where he excelled in athletics. He was Captain of the Football team and played Basketball and Baseball.

John served in the US Navy from 1954-58.

He married Barbara Worden, July 23, 1960, at St. Patrick’s Church, Utica.

He retired from Carrier Corporation in Syracuse as a Security Specialist.

John was a longtime member of St. Thomas Church, New Hartford, a 42-year member of the New Hartford American Legion Post # 1376.
Family was the joy of his life. He took great pride in his grandchildren.

He enjoyed gardening. He was an avid sports enthusiast especially for the Syracuse Orange and the NY Yankees. He also enjoyed spending time with his good friends Doug and Elaine Pratt.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara, his children and their spouses, Tracy and Aaron Starczewski of New Hartford, Susan and Patrick DeCastro of Guilderland, NY and Karen and Angelo Faro of New Hartford; his grandchildren Nicole Starczewski (Lucas Williams), John Starczewski (fiancée Katy Barry), Christopher Faro (Jenna Bellair) Ryan Faro (Danielle Hughes) Kiley DeCastro and Kaylin DeCastro; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Michael and Heather Worden of Georgia and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his siblings Richard Zimdars, Norma Wroblewski and Dorothy Mardany.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Doctors and Nurses of the Mohawk Valley Health System for all of the care provided to John.

Calling hours are on Monday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon, Monday, at St. Thomas Church, 150 Clinton Rd., New Hartford. Interment will follow with Military Honors at Green Lawn Cemetery, New Hartford,

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/) or the American Heart Association, in John’s memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.