John W. Zembower

John W. Zembower 77, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at UPMC Western Maryland. He was born on February 9, 1948 in Cumberland, MD a son of the late Walter H. and Anna Jean (Diehl) Zembower of Bedford Valley. On May 12, 2000 in Niagara Falls, he married Peggy (Whitfield) who survives along with a daughter, Misti Williams married to Ron of Cumberland, MD, and a step-daughter, Laurie, Hughes married to Matthew of Arlington, VA. He was also a proud Pap of two grandchildren, Makenna Grace Williams and Riley Blake Williams both of Cumberland, MD, a step-grandfather, to Regan Anne Hughes of Arlington, VA., and one great-granddaughter Maevyn Shea Williams. He is also survived by a brother, James Ewing Zembower and wife Kay of Bedford Valley. John was preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years Linda Leydig who passed away on December 4, 1990.

John graduated from Bedford High School in 1966 and then attended the American Press Institute at Reston, VA. During his formative years, he worked at Western Maryland Railroad as a secretary to the president. He spent one year with the Bedford Borough Police Department and nearly 30 years at the Gazette Publishing Company where he finished as general manager. John and Peggy owned and operated Zembower Oil, Inc. for 15 years. He was a bailiff for the Bedford County Courthouse until retirement in 2008. He was a past member of the Bedford Volunteer Fire Department #31 for many years and served on the Board of Directors at the Bedford County Fair, Bedford Cemetery, and Bedford Senior Center. He also served on Bedford Township Municipal Authority and on the Bedford Borough Sewer Authority. He wrote an auto-racing column for the Bedford Gazette and Sports Focus known as Pit Wit. He was a member of Bedford Masonic Lodge #320 (receiving his 50-year pin in 2021), and a charter member of the BW Gun Club and a member of the Bedford County Sportsman’s Club.

John loved hunting, fishing and playing baseball. He also attended many auto races and enjoyed writing. He loved traveling and spending time with his “Old Dawgs” friends. He enjoyed wildlife and feeding the birds. Most of all, he loved watching his grandchildren in all their endeavors. They were his pride and joy. John was a specialist when it came to having fun. All who knew him enjoyed his “what are we waiting for attitude” and sense of humor. He could often be heard saying, “keep a stiff upper lip” and “it ain’t easy being easy”.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor Adam Kravets officiating. Burial will be private. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 10 – 12 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Bedford County Fair, P.O. Box 244, Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.