Joe and Mabel Zwobot

We're saddened to hear of  Joe Zwobot's death on June 9, 2004. He was a truly exceptional guy and an alumnus of whom any Shannondalian could be proud. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, Mabel, and his kids. Joe's obituary follows:

Joseph William Zwobot, 83, of Queenstown, died June 9, 2004, at his residence.

The son of the late Margaret Popp and Joseph Zwobot, Mr. Zwobot was born on Nov. 22, 1920, and reared in Union City, N.J., where he graduated from Union Hill High School. He received a bachelor's degree in engineering from Columbia University.

He came to Maryland during World War II to contribute to the war effort with his shipbuilding expertise. He was an engineer for Maryland Shipbuilding and Dry Dock where they gave him the nickname "Girder Joe."

On Jan. 19, 1947, he married Mabel Ruth Corey, and they resided in Pikesville where he worked as a construction engineer with Crane and Crane and Holiday Universal. He retired to his retreat in Harper's Ferry, W.V., on Lake Shannondale.

About 18 years ago, the couple moved to Queenstown.

He was a commander in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the oldest person to pass the auxiliary examination. In addition to teaching navigation, boating safety and patrolling the bay, he was a recruiter and assisted candidates preparing for entry into the Coast Guard Academy.

His interests included hunting and fishing. He was an enthusiastic gun collector and was on competitive rifle teams. He was a conservationist who was actively involved in the protection of the Chesapeake Bay.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by four children, Robert J. Zwobot of Pasadena, Linda J. Zwobot of Chester and Harper's Ferry, Steven D. Zwobot of Woodstock and Rosemarie Meagher of Reisterstown; 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Queenstown. Arrangements are by Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home in Chester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Queen Anne's, 300 Del Rhodes Ave., Queenstown, MD 21658.

Family and friends are encouraged to contribute memories, eulogies, anecdotes, stories, etc. to honor their memories.

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