Sidney H. Zimman

Sidney “Sid” H. Zimman, age one hundred and a half of Oceanside, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family on February 14, 2024. Sid was born on August 10, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York to Louis and Bessie Zimman. Following his graduation from high school, Sid enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went on to become a dive bomber gunner, seeing combat in the South Pacific with over forty missions during 1944 in the SBD Dive Bomber, which Sid liked to call the “guided missile of its day”. Sid frequently spoke at colleges and high schools throughout San Diego County about his experiences in WWII in the battle of Rabaul and the role played by his beloved SBD. His memoir can be found at https://www.wwiiexperience.com/pacific-theater/ewExternalFiles/Sid_zimman.pdf Sid’s family meant the world to him.  He said: “I’m extremely proud of two chapters in my life – my family, and the fact that I was able to serve in the United States Marines.”  He enjoyed forty-six wonderful years with the love of his life, Shirlee, and he dearly loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren. Sid was a blessing and an inspiration to all his family and friends, and the many people he met at Veterans Day events and speaking engagements. Sid is preceded in death by his wife, Shirlee; parents Louis and Bessie; sisters Ann, Celia, Rose, and Judith; and his brother Sol. Sid is survived by his children, Jill, and Jeremy (Karen); grandchildren, Yolanna (Andy), Yvonne, Robert, Zachary, Tarissa, Kevin, Michael, and Matan; great-grandchildren, Shaianne (Brandon), Cyrus, Jasmine, Liana, Kayla, and Weston; great great-grandchildren, Kayden and Kalina, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. “Fair winds and following seas.” Semper Fidelis!