Gary Mitchell Van Zilen, Sr.

Gary M. Van Zilen Sr., 80, of Cromwell, Connecticut passed away on May 4, 2020 at Middlesex Hospital.  Born in Norwalk, Connecticut he was the son of the late Howard Jr. and Mabel (Mitchell) Van Zilen.

Gary was a master optician in precision optics, retiring after a lengthy career with the Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, Connecticut.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary (Mayor) Van Zilen, and his brother, Dennis Van Zilen.

Gary is survived by his brother, Howard Van Zilen III of Brookline, New Hampshire; his son Gary M. Van Zilen Jr. and his wife Lisa of Higganum, Connecticut; his son Gregory M. Van Zilen and his wife Samantha of Colchester, Connecticut; four grandchildren, Aviana, Isaac, William and Abigail Van Zilen; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Saint Sebastian’s Cemetery in Middlefield, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2275 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 9, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To share memories or send condolences, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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