Carlos Ziegler

Carlos Ray Ziegler

Born June 24, 1931 – Died April 14, 2023

Carlos Ray Ziegler was born on June 24, 1931, to Bessie and Samuel Ziegler. The Ziegler's lived in the small town of Richland, PA before moving to a nearby 103-acre farm. Carlos loved living on the farm. His entrepreneurial spirit seemed to start at an early age. Carlos caught pigeons in their barn and sold them to earn money for his first bike. Early in life, Carlos enjoyed working hard. Part of this enjoyment derived from working side-by-side with his many cousins, aunts and uncles whose farms were located nearby. When harvest time came, all of the families worked together.

When Carlos was 13, his family moved to Lititz. Carlos greeted the move as simply another chapter to be explored and celebrated. Carlos was always a man who focused on making the most of the present without dwelling on the past. In his new school, he played trumpet in the band, loved acting on stage, and played baseball.

At Elizabethtown College, Carlos studied psychology and sociology in the pre-ministerial track. Talented tenor Carlos met lovely soprano Elsie Bomgardner in the Elizabethtown Choir, and they married before their senior year. After college graduation in 1953, Carlos and Elsie relocated to Chicago where Carlos attended Bethel Church of the Brethren Seminary. Following seminary, Carlos and Elsie moved to Fredonia, Kansas where Carlos began his ministry, serving a small church. After two years, Carlos left the ministry and returned to Lititz with Elsie and their first-born daughter. Carlos then worked as an elementary and junior high school teacher, beginning his life -long career in education.

Carlos and Elsie eventually moved their family to Chadds Ford to work as year-round caretakers of a church camp. Simultaneously, Carlos worked as a reading consultant for the Alfred I. duPont School District. In 1963, Carlos and Elsie accepted positions with the West Chester Area School District and moved to West Chester. After serving as the Director of Elementary Education, Carlos accepted the first of many positions at West Chester State College. Over his 26-year career, Carlos served as Chair of the Department of Education, Acting Dean of the School of Education, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, and Professor of Elementary Education. In 1995, Carlos received the West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s President’s Medallion for Service for Outstanding Leadership and Exceptional Service.

Carlos was passionate about life and known for his tremendous energy. Whether he was mowing the lawn, playing tennis or walking “uptown,” he knew only one speed—fast! He was known for his optimism, kindness and fun sense of humor. He took pleasure in working hard, but also made it a priority to spend time as a family. After forty-one years of happiness, Elsie died after a lengthy illness.

In 1992, Carlos married Elizabeth (Betty) Hasson. Before moving to White Horse Village in 2021, they enjoyed golf, travel, community activities, and the company of their families and friends.

 Carlos lived at White Horse Village for the last eighteen months of his life, where he received excellent care from the staff of Four Seasons. He came alive with their music program and delighted in singing with his fellow residents. Carlos died of Alzheimer’s dementia on April 14, 2023.

 Carlos was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Arlene J. Crouse of Myerstown. He is survived by his three daughters, Jane (Arthur) McGarity, Ann (Jonathan) Lothrop, and Judy (Gerry) Galgon, along with eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Carlos is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Hasson, her three children, Barbara Lyons, Bobby Hasson, and Betsy Hasson, and their children and grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held in June.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the White Horse Village Foundation, in memory of Carlos R. Ziegler, to be allocated to the Four Seasons Music Program. Please mail your donation to Susan Abtouche, Vice President Mission Enhancement, White Horse Village, 535 Gradyville Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073.