Obituary of William Ziegler III

William Ziegler III, a long-time resident of Darien, and the third generation of Darien Ziegler's, died on June 13 after a long illness. He was born in New York City on June 26, 1928 to William Ziegler, Jr. and Helen (Murphy) Ziegler. He was a student at Deerfield Academy, and received his undergraduate degree at Harvard University and an MBA from Columbia University. He served as Lieut. Commander in the US Navy and US Naval Reserves. In 1952, he married Jane Troy Ziegler and raised six children in Darien. Bill had a strong interest in Long Island Sound. He was an avid sailor and accomplished racer. He traveled the world competing in ocean races with his boat, GEM. He was a strong advocate of ecology of Long Island Sound. He was a founder and served on the Board of the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, and last year received the honor of Lifetime Trustee. In 2002, he founded an aquaculture company, Sargent's Cove of CT to farm and encourage indigenous oyster beds to improve their health and production, and at the same time recycling and purifying our local sea waters. In addition to being an ardent supporter of efforts to protect Long Island Sound, he was Chairman of the E. Matilda Ziegler Foundation for the Blind, Inc. He continued to be an active sportsman, businessman and a good neighbor to Darien throughout his entire life, supporting many local Darien organizations including purchasing ambulances for Darien Post 53 EMS, Darien Library, Stamford hospital and Silver hill. He was a member of the Yale Eye Center Advisory Board, a founding Trustee of the Stamford Sailing Foundation, and a member of the New York and Noroton Yacht Clubs. His business career was varied and successful. He was the Chairman and CEO of American Maize-Products Company until 1995, a company founded by his late grandfather. He then purchased Swisher international, Inc., a world leading cigar and smokeless tobacco company, and was its Chairman and CEO until his death. A Red Sox enthusiast, Mr. Ziegler only recently attended the World Series Red Sox game last fall at Fenway Park. Bill was predeceased by his wife who passed away March 29, 2006. Bill leaves six children, Melissa J. Ziegler of Darien, William T. Ziegler and Peter M. Ziegler of Stamford, Cynthia Ziegler Brighton of Southport, Helen Ziegler Benjamin of South Norwalk and Karl H. Ziegler of Rowayton, as well as eight (wonderful) grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Z. Steinkraus of Darien. Calling hours will be held at the Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Rd., Darien on Tuesday June 17, 2008 from 5PM to 8PM. A private Luncheon will be held at his home on Hay Island in Darien on Wednesday June 18th 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Darien EMS- Post 53, Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820, or Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., South Norwalk, CT 06854. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820