Robert R. Zeender

On Sunday, June 9, 2019, Robert Roger Zeender, known to many and “Big Z” left us to be with his Heavenly Father. He was born June 25, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, later moving to Maryland. He was the son of the late Robert Maurice and Marie Lillian Zeender. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and served in the Army during Korea. His restaurant career started at Gusti’s in Washington, D.C. followed by being part of the Zeender Family that owned and operated the Blair Mansion Inn Restaurant in Silver Spring, MD.

He served as President of the Food Service Executives Assn.; was on the Board of Directors for the Restaurant Assn of Metropolitan Washington; member of the Epicurean Club of Washington, D.C. and the Restaurant and Hotel Assn of Montgomery County, MD. He played a major role in getting liquor by the drink in Montgomery County.

He was a 32 degree Mason, Past Master of Potomac Lodge #5 in Georgetown, a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and Almas Temple. He was a member of the Sandy Spring Lions Club, and the American Legion Norman Price Post #68.

In 1979, Robert and his wife became Diamonds in Amway and he served a term as President of the Board of Direct Distributors Assn.

He was an avid twin-engine pilot. He and his wife of 50 years enjoyed traveling to various parts of the world for business and pleasure.

He is predeceased by his brother, Roland M. Zeender and Step-mother, Constance T. Zeender. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline (Jackie), a son, Robert (Rocky) Zeender, and daughter Julie (Jon) Morin; brothers Roger (Robin) Zeender, Ramon (Georgie) Zeender, six grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and their children.

There will be a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm, Saturday June 22, 2019 at Hampshire View Baptist Church, 360 Ednor Road, Ashton, MD 20861 followed by a reception from 3-6 pm at Hampshire View Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Robert to the Hampshire View Baptist Church or Shriners Hospitals for children, attn. Alison Petty. 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1435.

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