Gerald (Jerry) Zitser of Boynton Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away at his home on Thursday.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sylvia Lichter Zitser, and his parents, Goldye and Herman (Harry) Zitser. A long-time native of New Haven and member of The Masonic Society, he is survived by his three children, Barry Zitser and his wife Sharon Heyman of Bloomfield, CT, Harriett Blakeslee and her husband Jon of Stuart, FL, and Suzanne Zitser of Pawcatuck, CT; his special grandchild Sara Blakeslee, his brother-in-law Dr. Harvey Lichter of Orange, CT; many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and his many friends.  After graduating from James Hillhouse High School in 1944, he served in the Navy during World War II, went on to college, had a successful career in the furniture business, and throughout his life pursued his great joy, playing the saxophone in big bands often arranged by his special friend Arnold Most.



Funeral service will be Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 11 A.M. at the Weller Funeral Home, 493 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, with internment services to follow in the Adas Israel section of  Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Avenue in New Haven.  His family will receive relatives and friends at Eli's on Whitney, 2392 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, C/O Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.