John David "Dave" Zeph

John David “Dave” Zeph, 86 of Sanford peacefully passed away Thursday October 23, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday November 1st at St Thomas Episcopal Church. The family will greet friends following the service in the Lower Parish Hall. Committal services will be private.

Mr. Zeph was born May 4, 1939, in Indianapolis, IN, son of the late Edmund Zeph and Margarite Newman Zeph. He was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Zeph and Margie Fultz. In early 1941 the Zeph family moved to Pittsburgh, PA where Mr. Zeph spent his childhood and completed his education. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force on May 21st, 1962. He lived in Greensboro, North Carolina for 19 years with his wife, Elizabeth and their two children, Cindy and David. He worked for Bethlehem Steel Corporation and spent the next 20 years in structural steel sales. During his tenure at Bethlehem Steel he was an officer for the local chapter of AISC, the American Institute of Steel Construction. As a member of St. Pius Catholic Church he was the PTA President and Athletic Director of the parochial school during his children's attendance. In 1982 the family moved to Sanford, North Carolina where Dave accepted a Sales Engineer position with Steel & Pipe Corporation. In 1985 until his retirement in 1991, he was owner and President of Heritage Steel Corporation. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Lee County and chaired the pancake fund raiser for five years. Later he served seven years on the LCI Board of Directors and was in charge of the million dollar plus major renovation project.

Dave was a true gentleman to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His faith and devotion to God guided every aspect of his life. As a dedicated member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, he served faithfully in many roles, including Stephen Minister and for several years on the Vestry as Junior Warden. He was also selected to be an usher at Duke Chapel for the ordination of Bishop Suffragan Huntington Williams Junior. A gifted craftsman, Dave possessed an exceptional talent for working with his hands. Whether repairing what was broken or creating furniture and children's toys in his garage shop, his attention to detail and care were evident in all he did. He was also an avid reader, especially of history. Often enjoying several books at once, his curiosity and love of learning was ever apparent. Sundays held a special place in Dave’s heart. After church, he could often be found in his recliner, cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. On their bye weeks, he enjoyed relaxing with classic Westerns, war movies or re-runs of M*A*S*H* and Andy Griffith. Above all, Dave cherished his family. Whether traveling through Europe with his beloved wife, playing with his children after returning home from work, coaching and attending football games, soccer games, piano and dance recitals, joyfully participating in countless games of “Mother May I” with his three granddaughters and their many activities, or sharing his love of vintage collectible trucks with his great grandchildren, his happiest moments were those spent surrounded by the ones he loved most.

Mr. Zeph is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Palmer Zeph; daughter, Cindy Z. Swindell (Frank); son David Zeph (Michele); grandchildren, Sarah Swindell Starling (Forbes), Anna Swindell Garner (Dalton) and Elizabeth Anne Zeph Soriente (Gabe); great grandchildren, Gray Soriente, Walker Starling and great-grand to be: Mackenzie Garner.

In lieu of Flowers Memorial contributions can be made to St Thomas Episcopal Church, 312 N. Steele St, Sanford, NC 27330