Paul S. Zonderman

Captain Paul S Zonderman Esq, Niskayuna, NY (March 10, 1939-October 1, 2026)

Paul Zonderman was born in Boston MA to parents Bernard and Anna (Appel) Zonderman. Paul lived a long and distinguished life with the utmost love and devotion to his family and an unwavering sense of strength, devotion, honor and justice. A loving husband, father and grandfather, Paul died peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones after a long and courageous battle with illness. Paul leaves behind his beloved wife Ann; cherished daughter Lauren Zonderman and son Jeffrey Zonderman (Kyra Teis Zonderman); grandchildren Bella and Claire Zonderman; brother Richard Zonderman; sisters Shoshana Perlmutter (Saul Perlmutter) and Amy Sherwin (Larry Sherwin); brother-in-law Stanley Goldstein; sister-in-law Bette Kraut (Stuart Kraut), as well as nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, mother-in-law Gertrude Goldstein, and loving aunts and uncles.

Paul grew up in Newton MA where he met his sweetheart Ann in high school. Paul graduated from Brandeis University and enlisted in the US Marine Corp in 1961. He was the 3rd generation of his family to serve in the US Armed Forces (Grandfather Bernard Appel, Spanish American War; Father, Bernard Zonderman, Major, Army Medical Corps, WW2). He became a Marine Officer at age 23, graduated Cornell Law School, passed the MA Bar Exam, and married Ann on August 2, 1964. Paul’s 3 years of active service began in January 1965 at age 25. He completed Officer Training School and in 1966 was deployed to Vietnam. His daughter Lauren was born while he was overseas, and he safely returned home to Ann and Lauren in December 1967. The family lived in Newton then Canton MA where his son Jeffrey was born, and later relocated to Niskayuna NY in 1976.

Paul had a distinguished and illustrious career as an Attorney, Arbitrator and Judge. He was a member of the MA and NY Bar Associations and National Academy of Arbitrators. Over the years he worked in public and private practice and was elected as Niskayuna Town Justice in January 2002 where he served for 12 years. As Town Justice, Paul was honored and respected for being fair, ethical and compassionate. In 2021, Paul wrote and published his book Justice in the Jungle, a tremendously meaningful and impactful recollection of his experiences in Vietnam. Paul was passionate about being recognized as and helping other veterans, and keeping their comradery, spirit, sacrifices, and appreciation alive. He was a prominent member of the Disabled American Veterans and Local Post Commander of the Jewish War Veterans. He was also active in religious organizations including Board of Directors at the Jewish Federation, Bethesda House, Anti-Defamation League, and past President of Congregation Agudat Achim.

Paul’s family would like to thank his doctors for their care over the many years, as well as the amazing nurses and hospice staff for their incredible kindness and support at the end of his life. May he rest in peace.

Funeral services for Paul will be held on Monday October 5th at 9:00 am at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union St. in Niskayuna. Burial will follow on Tuesday October 6th at 11:00 am at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, MA.