Jacob Zalman Bass

Jacob Zalman “Zal” Bass, 101, formerly of West Hartford, passed away on June 28, 2023 in Lincoln, MA. He was the husband of Bernice “Bunny” Bass who predeceased him in 2018 after 71 years of marriage. The son of Maurice and Estelle Bass, Zal was born and raised in Hartford. A graduate of Weaver High School class of 1940, he received a BA in 1946 from Teachers College of Connecticut and an MA from Columbia Teachers College in 1948. A proud veteran, during World War II he served in 64th Bombardment Squadron in the South Pacific. After the war he remained in the Army Reserves until 1967 when he retired with the rank of Major. For 32 years, Zal worked for the Personnel Department of the State of Connecticut, retiring in 1984 as Chief of Administration. After his retirement he was an active member of the West Hartford Regents, serving in many positions including president, as well as being an enthusiastic member of their bowling league. He also volunteered at the Jewish Historical Society, the West Hartford Public Library and the Weaver High School Alumni Reunion Committee. He was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, bridge, opera, history, traveling the world with Bunny and spending time with his family. He was very interested in Biblical Archaeology, particularly the Dead Sea Scrolls. He was an avid fan of the UConn Women’s Basketball team and the Connecticut Sun, never missing a game on TV. He was an original member of Temple Sinai of Newington, serving as treasurer many times. He is survived by his two loving daughters Donna (Elie) Cohen of Jerusalem and Debbie (Neal) Elliott of Acton, MA, six grandchildren Yaelle Zimerman, Sari Cohen, Avi Cohen, Danny Cohen, Matthew Elliott and Joshua Elliott and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Selma Wollman and brother Dr. Kenneth Bass. A private funeral service will take place at the Hartford Mutual Society Cemetery, East Granby. Donations can be made to Qigong Sensory Training Institute (QSTI) athttps://www.qsti.org/donate/or to acharity of the donor’s choice. Contributions: Donations can be made to Qigong Sensory Training Institute (QSTI) athttps://www.qsti.org/donate/or to acharity of the donor’s choice.