IN MEMORIAM: Henry ‘Hank’ Zigon, 87;

Plumbing, HVAC Expert; Accordion Player

OAKSVILLE –  Henry (Hank) T. Zigon, 87, died Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, at his longtime home in Oaksville.

Born July 7, 1929 in Forest City, Pa., Hank  was the son of Joseph and Frances (Sirca) Zigon. He and his family moved to the Oaksville area in 1942 and five years later Hank  graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of ’47”.

Hank married fellow Oaksville resident, Darlene Bouton, on July 3, 1951, and together they raised two children.  They lived in Oaksville for the rest of their respective lives. Darlene predeceased Hank on Oct. 10, 1988.

Shortly after their marriage, Hank enlisted in the Army,  serving his country during the Korean Conflict in 1951-53.  Upon his return from the service he began his life long career as a plumber involved in the heating/plumbing and air-conditioning business, first on his own and later, for over 20 years, at Bassett Hospital.

Hank was a true jack-of-all trades and loved to tinker with and fix all manner of things. He was laid back in his approach to life, loved golf and playing the accordion, which he did occasionally at the Cornfield hall as well as during many family gatherings. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially pitch, and bowling, and he participated in several Bowling Leagues at the Clark Sport Center.  He also spent many years as a volunteer with the Fly Creek Fire Department.

In his later years he enjoyed traveling with special friend Elaine Bolton,  visiting many places, among them,  Disney World, California, Colorado and Hawaii.

Hank is survived by his son Thomas (Donna Wetzel) Zigon of Henrietta; his daughter, Mary Behrens (Shep) of Southington,  Conn., and his sister-in-law, Carol Bouton and her sons Michael (Melissa) and Pat (Kathy).  Also, many members of the extend Bouton, Aufmuth and Gilchrist families. His children wish to recognize and thank a special family friend, Jane Bachanas, for the love and care she provided to their dad.

He was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Ronald Bouton,  his four brothers,  Joe, Albert, Stanley and Gus, and his sister Edna Devincent.

Graveside services with full military honors will be held at the Fly Creek Valley Cemetery in the spring on a date to be announced. For those who so desire, the family suggests donations in Hank ‘s memory to “Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.” 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown, NY.