Joseph Zommick, 83, commercial Realtor

Joseph Zommick, 83, formerly of Wallingford, a commercial Realtor for 50 years, died of complications from Alzheimer's disease Monday at Emeritus Senior Living in Boca Raton, Fla.

He grew up with 11 older siblings in Chester, where his father was a carpenter, and graduated from Chester High School. During World War II, he served in the Navy as a cook in the Philippines.

After his discharge, he worked for a Realtor in Chester before establishing Joseph Zommick Real Estate in Media in 1949. Initially he sold houses and later specialized in commercial and industrial properties. He never forgot his modest upbringing and had an "incomparable work ethic," his daughter Janie said. He sold his business in 2001.

Mr. Zommick was past president of Congregation Ohev Shalom in Wallingford and had been inducted into the conservative synagogue's hall of fame. He was past chairman for nearly 40 years and served on the executive committee of Ohev Shalom Cemetery in Brookhaven.

In honor of Mr. Zommick's "tireless volunteerism," the committee established the Joseph Zommick Cemetery Fund to help maintain the grounds.

His Jewish faith formed his core values, his daughter said.

An enthusiastic gardener, Mr. Zommick cultivated orchids and grew hydroponic tomatoes before they were in vogue, his daughter said. He was an avid entertainer and gourmet cook and was renowned for his bruschetta, flan, trifle, and especially his cheesecake, she said.

Mr. Zommick and his wife, Lyna Levin Zommick, had wintered in Boca Raton and summered in Ventnor, N.J., since the late 1990s.

In addition to his wife of 16 years, and his daughter, Mr. Zommick is survived by daughter Dorri Goldberg; stepchildren Sam Levin, Marjorie Wainfan, Betsy Cadel, and Lisa Levin; a sister; and five grandchildren. His wife of 42 years, Charlotte "Ducky" Zommick, died in 1990. Son Richard died in 2008.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Congregation Ohev Shalom, 2 Chester Rd., Wallingford.

Burial will be in Ohev Shalom Cemetery in Brookhaven.