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Vernon Zellner

April 9, 1956 - March 21, 2020
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Egizi Funeral Home
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David Naylor
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Kemannk
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Anibal Nieves
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The Mike New Family
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Mike Cunningham
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Deborah A Merlino
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Deborah A Merlino
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Mary Jean (Stadnick) Fries
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Kathy Webber
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Ron Kraus &family
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Pete Adams
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Vernon Zellner On March 21, 2020 of Washington Twp. Age 63. Beloved husband of Margaret A. “Peggy” (nee Kuhns). Devoted step-father of Kristen Blomquist. Loving grandfather of Julianna, Alexander and MyKaela. Dear brother of Joseph, Alan, Gary, and Chrystal Zellner. Vern started the Orchard Wrestling Club in 2001, where so many great wrestlers came outContinue Reading

David Naylor left a message on July 3, 2021:
My condolences go out to Coach Verns family and friends. He was my wrestling coach for 11 years of my life from when I was 5 to when I was 16. I could not have asked for a better coach, on and off the matt. He taught me what respect means, he taught me that nothing is impossible, he taught me that grades come before wrestling. All he ever wanted was to create and train well rounded men on and off the matt. And man did he have a loud voice, and everyone in the room knew not to get him angry. There's one thing about Vern that I will never forget, and although it's a little old school it shaped me into the person I am today. And what that is is that you never say the words "I" and "can't" in the same sentence. And if you made that mistake you'd get a boot to the back of the head.
carolyn cuffeld left a message on April 11, 2020:
Good day to the friends and family of Mr. Vernon Zellner. Having experienced the loss of a dear loved one, I am aware of the pain and sense of loss that you are experiencing. I found, at that time, that the strength and comfort I needed was provided by means of God's word. I do hope you will find comfort in the words noted. John 5:28 "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice an come out.." Isa 33:24 "And no resident will say: "I am sick." My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tyrek Cosby left a message on April 11, 2020:
I remember you smacking me in the neck for saying I can’t do something. When I say can’t now I automatically think of you. That motivated me to be a better person overall and it made me go for things that turn out good when I thought I couldn’t do it. I miss the times we had in the wrestling room/ wrestling matches. I still have you in a video raising your hand saying “5” when I dunked the guy on his neck in the freestyle tournament. Lol he didn’t get up, remember? Yeah, you taught me how to throw like that. I’m a Security Officer now and I do it full time. In the future I might be a cop or a corrections officer or even something better then that. Just because at a young age when I was taught all these wrestling moves it made me aggressive when necessary. Usually when someone dies they are forgotten over time. You will never be forgotten as long as I live on this planet. Goodbye Vern
Ti Cosby Jr left a message on March 31, 2020:
My blessings & condolences to the Zellner family. Vern was a great awesome person that taught many people what he loved to do. It’s sad to say rest in paradise but god definitely gained an angel! Bless up Orchard ?wrestling club indefinitely ✊?
TI COSBY left a message on March 31, 2020:
I send my condolence to the Zellner family. Vern used to coach me when I was in high school he also coached my two sons Ti Cosby Jr. and Tyrek Cosby from 3rd grade till 12th grade. I appreciated his coaching knowledge and his friendship he was like a father to me at times lol! Thanks for the journey you will be truly missed by your wrestlers from the ORCHARD WRESTLING CLUB! God Bless Dawg!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
John Killeen left a message on March 28, 2020:
Vern’s Family, You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace my Friend.
Mark Sajtlava left a message on March 26, 2020:
I had the pleasure of assisting Vernon in coaching the black knights wrestling team His dedication to the sport and athletes was inspiring I consider myself fortunate to have known and learned from him I am sorry to hear about vernons passing and take solace in knowing that he is in a better place The sport of wrestling has lost one of its best coaches
Vic Richmond left a message on March 26, 2020:
Rest my brother and friend.
Kemannk left a message on March 25, 2020:
My favorite teacher ever? r.i.p to my school pop pop you will be missed?
Tracey & Bob Elliott left a message on March 25, 2020:
Vern and Peg you have been part of our family since 2001. Thank you Vern for everything you have done for my son's since the farm in sewell NJ. We will always have you in our hearts. There were so many good times that I will not be able to pick just one to mention. Orchard is still going to be here with you watching over us. Will and Robert have gone a long way thanks to you teaching them and letting them travel with you. Thank you again and I will always be looking for your wisdom to be shared in memory. Love both of you always. Peg call me anytime.
Tom Traver left a message on March 25, 2020:
Dear Family of Vern Zellner, I got to know Vern through all star duals as our clubs competed against each other. We became friends and I looked forward to seeing him each weekend. I was so confident in Vern's coaching ability that I often "shared" wrestlers with him to be sure we both had full lineups. Vern also convinced me to charter our club with USA Wrestling and extend our season to include Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling. Thank you, for sharing Coach Vern with us. His friendship and guidance were a blessing. May he rest in peace. I pray that God will bless your family and keep you strong during this difficult time. Deepest sympathy, Tom Traver Rock Solid and Xcalibur Wrestling
Anibal Nieves left a message on March 25, 2020:
The Wrestling world will miss you Vern. GOD Bless. ✌?❤️
Joann Lavery left a message on March 25, 2020:
So so sorry for the families loss! I knew him when he worked for Glassboro Public Schools. A good friend!???
David Gregrow left a message on March 25, 2020:
You and your Family are in my prayers and thoughts, my Old Teammate.
Vincent Arlotta (Vinny) left a message on March 25, 2020:
RIP Big Vern you were a good coach enjoyed the years i knew you even after wrestling i ran into you at your house and always had a big smile and said hey and we would shoot the shit about wrestling you will be missed.
David Bell left a message on March 25, 2020:
Vern, God Bless you. It was a honor to know and spend time with you. You will always be remembered, reminisced about and loved. RIP my friend.
The Mike New Family left a message on March 25, 2020:
We love you Vern. Always helping, laughing, a positive force enabling others, you are missed so very much. Thank you for making so many of us a better person and enabling so many kids to believe and reach their potential. You have positively impacted the world! RIP Love you so very much.
Barbara Bailey Whitner left a message on March 25, 2020:
Prayers for the Zellner family. Vernon was my classmate from 1974 graduating class. Rest in Peace my friend
Ron and Anita Dickenson left a message on March 24, 2020:
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Zellner families. May God bless you all.
Sayke left a message on March 24, 2020:
Vern spent a lot of time teaching us and taking us to the next level. I remember him driving us to events. He was very generous with us. When I came to NYC, I visited him in Hoboken when he ran their program. We ate steak that night, it was perfect RIP Vern Sayke Reilley
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Marc and Melissa Malfara left a message on March 24, 2020:
Peggy, we are very sorry for your loss.
Ish mercado left a message on March 24, 2020:
My condolences to the Zellner family, i met Vern back in college many years ago, He actually lived a block away from me at one time and he help Coach my oldest son Jason at times. When we went to tournaments Vern was always there,he helped everyone who asked,Wrestling has lost a true champion of the sport. Love .com the Mercado family
Deborah Jones-Storniolo left a message on March 24, 2020:
Thoughts and prayers from The Storniolo Family...
W. Dennis Percevecz Jr left a message on March 24, 2020:
Sending prayers,love and light to Vern's family and friends. You will be missed my friend. I will never forget
Mike Cunningham left a message on March 24, 2020:
I offer my condolences to Vern’s family and those he was close to through the great sport he loved so much. For many years it was hard for me to attend any wrestling event where I didn’t see Vern and get the chance to say hello. He will be missed by the many who knew him as a fellow wrestling enthusiast and as a friend.
Deborah A Merlino left a message on March 24, 2020:
In memory of Vernon Zellner, Deborah A Merlino lit a candle
Deborah A Merlino left a message on March 24, 2020:
Thinking of you and your family God rest your soul and may God be with your family
Robert Eley left a message on March 24, 2020:
Vernon, I have so many warm memories as a kid growing up with you always calling me little brother. You gave so much of yourself to wrestling, and people in general. You were a warrior on the mat and a kind soul to everyone. You will live on in all of the hearts you touched. RIP Big Brother. Bob Eley
Rashone Johnson left a message on March 24, 2020:
In your short time on this planet you made a difference. You had a positive impact with so many athletes. We are all better in some way for knowing you. Rest easy my friend!
Sandra Fuchs Albaugh left a message on March 24, 2020:
My heart & prayers go out to the Zellner family!! The Fuchs family has so many great memories of Vernon through the the world of wrestling!!
Shawn Masterson left a message on March 24, 2020:
I am truly lucky to have called coach, colleague and friend. He truly will be missed by many! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family (Peg and Kristen). Until we meet again...
Kathy Iannacone left a message on March 24, 2020:
It started during student teaching, Vern - me, the teacher ... you, the student. You wrote me a beautiful letter my last day, which I still have. That was 50 years ago! Who knew that our friendship would last throughout our adult lives. I was touched that you wanted me with you and Peg for your doctor appointments, knowing I understood because I had seen the love of my life fight a similar battle. I wished so deeply that I was able to offer more than support or advice. I wish I could have healed you. Rest, my friend, in a world free of pain.
Mary Jean (Stadnick) Fries left a message on March 24, 2020:
In memory of Vernon Zellner, Mary Jean (Stadnick) Fries lit a candle
David Shafer left a message on March 24, 2020:
My thoughts and prayers go out to Coach’s family. He touched many lives and especially mine. He was one of the most influential coaches I’ve had in my life.
Michael Vetrano left a message on March 24, 2020:
Vern, you were an amazing Coach and person. I am grateful to have known you. RIP in the big Orchard in the sky. - Michael Vetrano
Dottie Parker left a message on March 24, 2020:
Peggy, We are so sorry for your loss. God bless you and Kristen. Dottie Parker and Gary Knight
Steve Strellner left a message on March 24, 2020:
To Al and all of Verns family my deepest sympathy I have a long history with Vern thru coaching and has been a friend since his days at Glassboro May the Zellner family find solace in knowing how many lives he touched. God Bless Steve Strellner
Karen Goodale left a message on March 24, 2020:
My deepest sympathies go out to the Zellner family! Vern was a wonderful passionate man! May he Rest In Peace!
Adina Giovannitti left a message on March 24, 2020:
My deepest sympathy to you Peggy and all of Vern's family. I met Vern in 2002 when he coached my son at the Orchard and then again at Paulsboro High. We connected again when he came back to Paulsboro High as a permanent substitute teacher. He was a good person, a great coach and role model for my son and a wonderful friend to me. I'm so thankful for his friendship. He will be missed. May peace be with you. Sincerely, Adina Giovannitti
Linwood left a message on March 24, 2020:
Keith is out on a ship somewhere around Thailand so I will put in a word for both Keith and myself. Our deepest condolences to a wonderful individual - a teacher, friend, and mentor. I can't say enough about how big an impact he's had on our lives. Rest in peace.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kathy Webber left a message on March 24, 2020:
God’s peace and love to surround you during this difficult time.
Ron Kraus &family left a message on March 24, 2020:
Vern you were such a great influence on my sons in a time when I needed all the help I could get ... I will always be grateful for all of your time given countless hours of coaching , extending your home all for the greater good of my boys and so many others ... ‘greatness doesn’t fall far from the tree’ And that is seen now by all you have shared your life with Rest In Peace coach... love ya
Pete Adams left a message on March 24, 2020:
Rest In Peace Vern. You were one of a kind.
Sheila Trainor left a message on March 23, 2020:
So many memories. Such an inspiration to my children and us. We will miss you. Fly high..
Karen L. Warner left a message on March 23, 2020:
Peg, you and your family have my heartfelt sympathy! Vern was an excellent and who left us too soon. May he be in everlasting peace and may God give you grace??
Giorgio Scafidi left a message on March 23, 2020:
Will always love you my brother. We will never forget. RIP
Kelly Bradshw left a message on March 23, 2020:
Holding you Close to my heart cuz! Sorry your family went through this. Keep in touch.
Stacy Staino left a message on March 23, 2020:
Peggy, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We were just watching you on our wedding video today actually. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May god bless you all.
Stacy Staino left a message on March 23, 2020:
Peggy, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We were just watching you on our wedding video today actually. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May god bless you all.
Kate Milam-Curry left a message on March 23, 2020:
Sending love and prayers to Peg and family. So very sorry for your loss.
Dora Sharpe left a message on March 23, 2020:
In memory of Vernon Zellner, Dora Sharpe lit a candle
Dora Sharpe left a message on March 23, 2020:
Sending my Deepest Smypathy . Along with Prayers, for all the Family.
Annamarie pinna left a message on March 23, 2020:
Peg , so sorry for your loss prayers for you and the family love Annamarie and John Pinna and the daughters
Jean left a message on March 23, 2020:
Dear Peggy, my heart goes out to you. Cancer takes to many to soon. Sending love and peace to you.
Sue Carducci left a message on March 23, 2020:
So sorry for your lost. Uncle Tom and Aunt Sue.
Nancy left a message on March 23, 2020:
I am so very sorry for your loss! - love Nancy McCrea Iannone & family
Egizi Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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