Obituary of Julian F Zdep

Julian F. Zdep, 96, an ordinary extraordinary man, died peacefully November 17th at the home he loved and built himself. He was born Feb.18,1924 in Syracuse, the son of Stanley and Mary Zdep Julian graduated from Syracuse Vocational High School. A WWII disabled vet he served two years in the Army Air Force flying over the HUMP in the China-Burma-India theater. A Purple Heart and Air Medal recipient he was one of two survivors shot down over China. Reluctant to speak of this tragedy, when he did, he always emphasized that his Guardian Angel was with him that fateful day. He was grateful to participate in the Syracuse Honor Flight to Washington DC, April 2019, accompanied by his granddaughter Rosalie Mortellaro. He was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and appreciation for his service. Julian raised five daughters on a letter carrier’s salary and retired from the USPS after 33 years of service. He was recently cited for his 70th year as a NALC Member. He enjoyed playing golf, cards and Scrabble; harness racing; his camp on the St. Lawrence; stained glass making; investing in the stock market; tinkering with everything; SU football and hoops but most of all he enjoyed teaching his youngest daughters and his grandson how to fish. A lifelong Syracusan he never shied away from a snow shovel even well into his 90’s. He always planted summer annuals to add beauty and color to his yard. He was proud of his Polish Heritage and loved making and eating a good golumpki. Fond of his neighbors he taught us all what a good neighbor is and does. Julian is predeceased by his wife of 66 years Julia his daughters Barbara and Catherine. He is survived by his brothers Frank Zdep and Henry Zdep, his daughters, Marianne Collins, Christine (Joe) Breglia, Patricia (Paul) Zdep Mortellaro, grandchildren Sean (Jenna) Collins, Serena (Adam) Cross, Tim Matson, Rosalie and Grace Mortellaro, and greatgrandson, his namesake, Julian Collins. Dad will forever be remembered for his stalwart presence, his stubbornness and independence, strength and perseverance, his undeniable energy and generosity. A full-blooded member of the Greatest Generation. You will be missed Pop but we will all take comfort in knowing you are our Guardian Angel now.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Honor Flight Syracuse, Inc at www.HonorFlightSyracuse.org

Funeral Services: 9:30 AM Friday, December 4, 2020, in Sacred Heart Basilica, Syracuse.

Burial with Military Honors: Sacred Heart Cemetery, Geddes