Salem…..

Stephen Zisson, 83, decorated Veteran, long time Chairman of the Salem Housing Authority, and self-described "unrepentant democrat" passed away in Salem after a short illness. Steve, the son of Greek Immigrants Peter and Lillian Zisson was born in Marlboro Massachusetts and graduated from Salem High School in 1942 and Harvard in 1948. He was the devoted husband of the late Joan (Dooley) Zisson.


During World War II, he was selected for the Army's ASTP Engineering program at Rutgers University. He was then assigned to General Terry Allen's 104th Timberwolf Infantry Division were he served as a sniper, rifleman, and Platoon Sergeant. His service took him to Holland, Belgium, France and Germany where he earned two bronze stars, the Purple Heart, three battle stars, and a Silver Star nomination. He also earned the blue Combat Infantryman Badge of which he was especially proud.


A few years ago, his family found a citation from General Allen neatly tucked away in Steve's bedroom closet. This citation, which he had never mentioned before, read in part:


"Sergeant Stephen Zisson, is awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievements in connection with military operations in Germany on November 17, 1944. In the face of enemy shellfire, and already wounded, Sergeant Zisson gave first aid to 3 of his men and returned them to the medical aid station. Out of great devotion to his duty, and disregarding his wound, he returned his able men through heavy shellfire and continued to fight until he was wounded again. He then gave first aid to 3 more of his men and again evacuated them through continued heavy artillery fire…."


Later that month, he was severely wounded in action on Germany's Seigfried Line and was hospitalized for several months. He returned to the Timberwolves in April of 1945 and participated in the liberation of the slave labor camps at the Nordhausen V-2 rocket factory. When the war in Europe ended, the 104th Division returned to the U.S and began preparation for the planned invasion of Japan. He was forever grateful that invasion was never required.


Following discharge from the Army, he enrolled at Harvard and graduated with the class of 1948. He often joked that the class included Presidential candidates, famous authors, and a Greek kid from Salem whose biggest accomplishment to date was running the soda fountain at Elizabeth's Luncheonette.


Following graduation, he joined Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Boston in their Loss Prevention Dept. A Registered Professional Engineer, he specialized in fire prevention and protection during his 40 year career.


At that time, he also began his avocation, serving over 50 years on the Salem Housing Authority with 30 of those years as Chairman. As chairman, he was involved in the construction and management of a number of affordable developments, including veteran, family, elderly, and handicapped housing. Developments that Zisson was instrumental in building included Leefort Terrace and the high rise Charter Street Building. When the SHA teamed up with the Salem YMCA to convert some available space at the YMCA, board members chose to honor Zisson by naming that development after him. As a result of the actions of the Salem Housing Authority, Salem was one of the first cities to qualify in meeting the state goal of 10 percent affordable housing .


Originally appointed to the board in the early 1950s by Governor Paul A. Dever, he was subsequently reappointed to the board for consecutive five-year terms by Mayors Francis X. Collins, Samuel Zoll, Jean Levesque, Anthony Salvo and Neil Harrington.


Steve was active in local, state and national politics. He was a member of the Democratic City Committee and part of Mayor Collins' inner campaign circle in his surprise 1950 victory. He often told the story that he never voted for any Republican despite having this record challenged by some of his more conservative friends.


A long time Celtics fan, Zisson had season tickets for many years in Box 2 at the old Boston Garden next to the team owners' box. He saw Red Auerbach and Bill Russell in their first Celtics games. Although ill, he stayed up every night to watch the Celtics win their 17th championship in 2008. And yes, Bill Russell was absolutely the greatest NBA player ever.




He is survived by three children his daughter Paula and her husband Kevin, and their daughter Alexandra Connor of Easton; two sons Stephen and his wife Cindy and their sons Daniel, and Matthew of Wenham and James and his wife Laura, and their daughter Lauren Zisson of Salem; a sister, Eugenia of Salem; in-laws Richard and Bernadine Dooley of Enfield, CT, sister-in-law Effie Zisson of Centerville, and many devoted nieces and nephews. He also leaves many dear friends including the Parisi and Gill families of Woburn, MA.

Steve was also predeceased by his brother Jim and devoted in laws Barbara and Lytle Smith.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008, at 8:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St.,(cor of North ST) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 9:00 A.M. in Ste. Anne Church 292 Jefferson Ave., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 P.M. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the North Shore Medical Center Cancer Center, 81 Highland Ave., Salem. MA 01970. For online guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978 744 0497.