Ernest Zserai

Ernest P. Zserai, 79, of Jonestown passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2009, at the Lebanon Good Samaritan Hospital. He was the husband of Anna Mae Koppenhaver Zserai, to whom he was married 53 years. Born in Union Township on August 8, 1929, he was the son of the late James P. and Agnes E. Sebastian Zserai. He served in the U.S. Army, and was a POW during the Korean Conflict, receiving the Purple Heart. After being discharged from the Army in 1951, he received a diploma in accounting from the Lebanon Business College, and worked as an accountant for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at IGMR from 1957 to 1963. He accepted the appointment as postmaster for Jonestown in 1963, and remained in that position until his retirement in 1977. He was a member of the Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jonestown, and had formerly served on the church council. He was active in the community and veterans organizations, holding many positions at county, district and national levels. He was a member of the Perseverance Fire Co., a life member of the Jonestown American Legion, Shellsville VFW, AMVETS, DAVLebanon Chapter, Lebanon 40 & 8, Military Order of Purple Heart, and a multitude of other organizations. He served the American Legion as Post No. 883 commander from 1965 to 1967. He served as 19th District commander from 1969 to 1971. In 1980 and 1981, he served as the Pennsylvania State American Legion Commander. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Ernest J. Zserai of Palmyra, Kevin L., Michael P., Steven E. and James L., all of Jonestown; a daughter, Barbara G. Zserai of Jonestown; a grandson, Brandon Michael Zserai of Lebanon; a brother, James M. Zserai of Palmyra; sisters Agnes Zearfoss of Jonestown, Helen Keleman of Myerstown, Margaret Rollman of Chester and Esther Gettler of Oreland. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John, Matthew and Frank Zserai; and a sister, Ethel Bohr. Viewing will be held on Thursday evening, February 5, 2009, from 68 p.m. at the Kreamer & Lum Funeral Home & Crematory, 5 Campmeeting Road, Jonestown, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Friday. Interment will be at Grand View Memorial Cemetery, Annville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church, Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. 658, Jonestown, PA 17038. PDF Printable Version