Edward Zavell, 98, of Elyria passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Life Care Center of Elyria. He was born on March 7, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, and was a graduate of John Adams High School. He was a WW II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army, where he received a Purple Heart medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 5 bronze stars, and the WW II Victory Medal. In 1951, he married Susan (Sally) Spike, and was the owner of the Empire Tavern for forty years. He was a member of Temple B'nai Abraham. He loved Cleveland sports, and along with his sweet smile, possessed a great sense of humor. He had an amazing work ethic, never missing a single day of work, in order to provide a comfortable life for his family. He was totally devoted to his wife, Sally, and was blessed with 69 years together. He relished his role as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He truly enjoyed life's simple pleasures- his home, his family, and his years wintering in Florida. He was the sweetest, kindest, gentlest man we've had the pleasure to call our Dad and grandfather. Our father was able to endure and accept any adversity that life presented him with a smile and positive attitude. He loved his home, but totally accepted his need to move to a residential facility. In March, he lost his beloved wife, who had been an incredible caretaker to him. And with the restrictions brought on by the pandemic, he accepted the pain and loss of human contact from his loved ones. Instead, with his "life goes on" philosophy, he focused on the positives looking so forward to our door visitations and numerous daily phone calls at Life Care. He became involved with facility activities, and his daily routines which kept him motivated, particularly physical therapy. We cannot thank the entire Life Care staff enough for being "family" to him in our absence. He truly loved the nurses, STNA'S, therapists and support staff. He enjoyed interacting with everyone, and the kindness shown to him will never be forgotten. Ed is survived by his daughter Linda (James) Steedman; son Paul (Diane) Zavell, grandchildren Lisa Steedman (Anthony Jordan), Jennifer (Joe) Cuevas, Ryan Zavell and Adam Zavell, and great0grandsons Alec Cuevas and Bryce Cuevas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jennie and Pincus Zavell; brother Charles Zavell, and sisters Rae Zavell and Alice Wylen; and infant granddaughter, Julie Steedman. A private graveside service was held. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105. Arrangements were entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elyria, 440-322-4626. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com.

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