Edward “Ed” John Zilli, 100, Minot, was called back into active duty with his eternal father on November 30, 2023 at his home.
Ed was born February 8, 1923 at Clifton, New Jersey, the son of Charles and Wilhelmini (Lonecke) Zilli. He was raised and educated in Moriches, NY on Long Island, NY.
Ed enlisted with the US Army on December of 1943 and honorably served his country during World War II and participated in the Battle of the Bulge until the war ended in 1945. He re-enlisted with the Army in 1946 and served until receiving his honorable discharge in 1953. He was a member of the “Circle C Cowboys” during the Berlin Air Lift.
While serving in Germany, Ed was united in marriage to Margareta M. Mueller on December 8, 1947 in Neustad, Germany. They lived in Neustad where their first child, Miriam was born. In 1953, they moved to Long Island, NY, where they established a home in Bay Shore. Ed was employed as a police officer for Suffolk County, New York. He served for over 25 years, until his retirement in 1979. The couple retired to Spring Hill, FL in 1982 and remained there until moving to Minot in 2005. Margareta died April 9, 2008.
Ed had continued to make his home at the Parker Suites in Minot until the time of his death. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, International Police Association, Superior Officers Association, Patrolman Benefits Association and the Police Conference. He enjoyed deep sea fishing, water activities and raising orchids.
His loving family includes, daughter, Margie (Ted) Bolton, Minot; sister, Miriam Zilli, Long Island, NY; grandchildren George Grafer, Edward (Pam) Grafer, Elizabeth Grafer, Josh (Danni) Grafer, Naomi (Marcus) McLeod, John Grafer, Sarah Wright, Rebekah (Royce) Neeley and Edward Bolton along with numerous great grandchildren.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 61 years, Margareta; daughter, Miriam, grandson, Matthew Grafer, brother, Charles.
Celebration of Life service: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Veterans Section of Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, with military honors accorded by the ND Army National Guard and Minot American Legion.
Visitation: Tuesday, December 5th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Tunnel To Towers.
