Three Men, Three Stories of Family, Work, and Service to the Community

Here is a photo of the three "presidents emeritus" of Beth El Synagogue in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, probably taken around 1991 or 1992 at a 10th anniversary celebration for the congregation's building. The gathering was held at the Creamery Restaurant in Danville, Vermont.

From left to right, the men are Ben Harris (who turned 99 on Feb. 1, 2012), Al (Alfred) Zeller (1921-2009), and Dave (David) Kanell (husband of your blog coordinator). Dave was president of the synagogue at that time.

I'll add stories of each of these men and of their families over the weeks to come. For today, here is the Caledonian-Record (St Johnsbury, VT) obituary for Mr. Zeller, whose absence is very much felt.

10/5/2009 8:00:00 AM Alfred Zeller Dies

Alfred Zeller of St. Johnsbury, Vermont's personal furrier, passed away quietly Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was 88. He was born in Lowell, Mass., on April 11, 1921, the son of Harry and Sarah (Shertock) Zeller. He was predeceased by his first wife Esther (Cohen) Zeller. Alfred was indeed known as "Vermont's personal furrier." He took great pride in bringing his fur business, with his wife Lillian, to the people by setting up hotel shows, particularly in White River Jct., Montpelier, and Burlington. Many may remember their TV ads on WCAX. He maintained his fur business in the Palmer Building on Eastern Avenue in St. Johnsbury as well as a close relationship with the Palmer family over the years. He sold his fur business in the fall of 1985. Alfred was an active man all his life, which made the last two years difficult in that he could no longer golf at St. Johnsbury Country Club, sail his sailboat on Joes Pond, swim in his backyard swimming pool, or ski at Burke Mt. (although ski he did on his 80th birthday!). Alfred was instrumental in the relocation, building, and operation of the Beth El Synagogue. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Lillian; son David Zeller and his wife Virginia of Swampscott, Mass.; daughter Susan Zeller-Kent and husband Tom Kent of Woburn, Mass.; step-daughter, whom he loved as his own, Donna Oplinger and husband Thomas of Southampton, Long Island, N.Y.; two granddaughters Kayla and Merina Zeller; two brothers: Nathan Zeller of Peabody, Mass., Philip Zeller and wife Jeanne of Lowell, Mass.; sister Esther Alexander of Atlanta, Ga.; and many nieces and nephews. A public memorial service will be held at Beth El Synagogue Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. Beth El Synagogue is located at 1097 Hospital Drive (on the left going up Hospital Hill). The family will observe his burial privately at the family cemetery in Pelham, N.H. Memorial contributions could be directed to Congregation Beth El, PO Box 568, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.