Stanley "Stas"/Zites" Joseph Zaidel, Jr.

The World has lost another member of the unselfish generation.  On November 26, 2019, a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh’s South Side.  Stanley was one of a kind.  Son of the late Stanley Sr. and Catherine Zaidel (Jaracz).  Born May 8, 1925, he suffered with failing health after the passing of his beloved wife, Eileen, who passed January 23, 2019.  In 1943, a senior in High School, he was drafted to fight for his country.  He joined the Armed Guard, a division of the Navy.  He spent two years on a ship, the USS Occidental.  As a gunner, he made fourteen trips across the Atlantic, carrying fuel and deck supplies to European and African Areas.  He traveled in an envoy of 22 ships.  His third year in the service, he spent on a minesweeper.  His ship was on drydock in San Juan.  He was pitching softball on a pick-up team.  The base commander was so impressed with his pitching, he offered him to spend his last 6 months pitching for his base.  He said he was blessed.  Stas is survived by his sister Helen Schubert who is 102.  He was preceded in death by his brother John (Scat).  Nieces and nephews, Darlene (Carl) Rady, John (Gloria) Dagnall, the late Donald (Alberta) Dagnall, Trevor (Kathy) Koehnlein, Ron Koehnlein, Thomas Schubert, Paul (Vera) Dagnall, Lauren Schubert, and Karen Koehnlein, 10 great nieces and nephews, and 11 great-great nieces and nephews who called him Gruncle.  Deepest thanks to Bobby Schultz, Judy Dimas, Christine Bielowski who were there every day and offered their time.  Also thanks to Hospice Workers, Kelly and Danielle and Social Worker Denise Daugherty.  Also a special thanks to Jerry Morosco and Paul Ford, Maggie and John, and Dean and Dena.  God Bless All of You.   

Friends and family received at the John J. Gmiter Funeral Home, Ltd., South Side on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 from 2 to 7 pm.  Funeral Prayer on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 11:00 at the Funeral Home.  Interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.  In lieu of flowers, Stas would like you to do something nice for someone. 

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