Suleiman D Zalatimo OBITUARY

Suleiman D Zalatimo OBITUARY

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Suleiman Dawud Zalatimo (“Zal”) of Storrs on Sunday December 15. Suleiman passed away peacefully at the age of 94.

Born in Jerusalem, Palestine, on August 30, 1930, to the late Dawud and Wedad Zalatimo, he was the eldest of 5 children. He grew up in a loving, supportive home that encouraged dedication to schooling.

He excelled in academics and developed a love of bird hunting in high school, where he would hunt birds with his slingshot on his way to school. He received a full scholarship to Syracuse University in 1956 and received a Diploma in Instructional Media. He returned to Jerusalem and was an Instructor at the Men’s Teacher College in Jerusalem and Amman, Jordan, before returning to continue his education at Oklahoma State University, where he received his BS in Agricultural Education in 1958.

He met and married his wife of 63 years, Lona Gail Day at Indiana University in 1961, where he received his MS and SEd degrees in Instructional Media. He finished his EdD in Agricultural Education and Instructional Media at Oklahoma State University in 1966. He accepted a faculty position in the School of Education at the University of Connecticut in 1967. There, over his 24-year career, he published numerous academic research articles, advised PhD students in the Instructional Media and Technology program, and was a consultant to educational systems across the world.

Zal was a true family man. He was a devoted husband and enjoyed gardening and travel with his dear wife. He was a beacon of unwavering support to his children and taught them love, compassion and resilience. One of his greatest joys was playing with his grandkids, and sharing his love of the outdoors, boating, art and cooking with them. Zal was a talented artist and enjoyed painting, photography and carpentry. He loved sharing stories and having good laughs and with family and friends. He was a kind, generous and gentle soul.

He leaves a legacy of love to his wife, Lona Gail Zalatimo, daughter Nadia and her husband Ron Watanabe, grandchildren Hana Watanabe, Sara Watanabe, Aidan Watanabe, and son Dawud Zalatimo. He will always be remembered for his love and support and a good story.