Obituary of Gary Allen Zobel

Gary Allen Zobel, 60, of Phoenix, Arizona was called home on February 4, 2019 after a 22 month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. Gary was born in Middletown, Connecticut to Fred and Judy Zobel on April 2, 1958. He graduated from Nathan Hale-Ray High School in 1976 in East Haddam, Connecticut where he played soccer and basketball. He went on to serve for four years in the US Air force from 1977 to 1981, where he was a Material Facilities Specialist, and was awarded a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon. Gary received an Honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1981. During Gary’s life he pursued several business ventures including real estate sales, real estate loan officer, licensed plumbing contractor, microelectronics vendor management, and later in his life he owned and operated Z Home Design, Remodel & Repair, LLC, in which he served an extensive list of customers for more than 8 years before being diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma brain cancer in April, 2017. Throughout his life Gary’s greatest passion was connecting with others, and he experienced immense joy in gathering his loved ones, family and friends around him for celebrations. Gary enjoyed painting, sports of all kinds, and travel – especially to the ocean. Gary was a vocalist; he loved music and played numerous instruments. Gary is preceded in death by his father, Fred Zobel. He is survived by his mother Judy Zobel, his wife Jan Zobel, his children Keith Zobel, Natalie Fern, Jeffrey Zobel and Aloria Shuffett, his brothers Fred Zobel and Randy Zobel, his sister Sally Patterson, his grandchildren Austin Zobel, Avery Zobel, Bennett Fern and his expected grandchild due in March of 2019, Claire Fern. The family of Gary wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff and physicians at Barrow Neurological Institute for their determination to do everything possible to help Gary extend his life, while also maintaining the best possible quality of life while treating him. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation for the loving care received from Hospice of the Valley. Rest in Heavenly peace, Gary, until we meet again…