In Memory of Karl Zambon

Karl Ludwig Zambon

Spouse: Katharina Thiessen
Children: Michelle, Michael, Abigail, Glorianna
Birthdate: January 31, 1940
Blessing: July 1st, 1982
Ascension: March 21, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: March 30, 2024

Karl Ludwig Zambon was born in Kiel, Germany in 1940, to Tamara & Alfred Zambon. Karl had one sister, Gitta. Being born during a time of war in a seaport town, his formative years were surrounded with hardship and the family showed strength as well as levity amongst adversity. As a young man Karl was known to love an eclectic array of music. He played piano by ear, figuring out how to play his favorite tunes, and music has always been a source of joy for Karl.

He left home at a young age to work in different places, traveling to many countries. Being the spiritual seeker, Karl saved all his money to buy a motorcycle, complete with a sidecar. That motorcycle took him on the journey of a lifetime from Germany, through the Middle East, India, island hopping through Indonesia, all the way to Australia. He was in search of answers that took years of testing which religion or spiritual practice could fulfill God’s plan for him and the world as a whole. Ultimately, he found what he was looking for once he arrived back home in Germany. After a lot of prayer and fasting to confirm if this was the way, Karl joined the Unification Church in 1978.

In 1979, Karl was matched by Rev. Moon to Katharina Thiessen and was Blessed in marriage on July 1st, 1982. They moved to Alabama and lived there for 14 years, creating a beautiful family with four children: Michelle, Michael, Abigail, and Glorianna.

Karl’s life has always been tied to his love for the ocean. From the seaside of his hometown in Kiel, Germany, to where he raised his family on the gulf coast in Bayou la Batre, Alabama and later Bridgeport, CT, Karl has always found peace by the water. Karl insisted on being included in the church seafood business in Alabama, starting on a shrimping boat and later as a salesman for rock shrimp to retailers across the US, cementing his love for seafood.

In 1997 he moved with his family to Paraguay to join Katharina in establishing a latin branch of the newspaper The Washington Times. With only a basic grasp of Spanish from his time in Spain, he ventured into the unknown, knowing that God had called them to this land for a purpose. During this time, he discovered his passion for building a point of connection to the Mennonite community, of which his wife, Katharina, is originally from. He felt compelled to create a yearly celebration commemorating the arrival of the Mennonites in Paraguay. Their port of entry is located on the land that had been purchased by the church. These efforts helped to build a bridge between the Mennonite community and the Unification church.

As the time came to leave Paraguay, each child made their way back to the US, one by one, followed by Karl as Katharina finished her role in Paraguay. This period showcased Karl's resilience as he started anew in New Jersey, working small jobs to make ends meet.

In 2004, Katharina finally joined Karl in Bridgeport, CT where they established their roots until today. Karl served as a dorm parent for BIA and building manager for the Seaside building, where he worked tirelessly and with unwavering loyalty until his retirement at the age of 77.

During this time, his children all got married and had children of their own. Karl was a loving and playful grandfather to his six grandchildren. (With one more on the way!)

Karl was a man with spiritual fortitude, living his life by spiritual inspiration and a desire to serve a higher purpose. He was incredibly bold and steadfast, and he lived his life by heaven’s principles until the very end. He had a creative mind, and if you were lucky, you could catch the twinkle in his eye with a cheeky grin. He was surrounded by family during the last phase of his life, and they were by his side during his last breaths.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST (Viewing begins at 9:00 AM)
Location: Saugutuck Rowing Club, Regatta Room (521 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880)

Luncheon & Testimonies at 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

To join the ceremony via livestream: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88302553057

We ask you to please RSVP, especially if you're traveling from out of state so we can accommodate everyone at the venue. Due to limited seating we kindly ask that you make other arrangements for your children. If you need to be bring your child, we ask that they sit on their parents lap.

Flowers can be sent to the venue (521 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT 06880) with delivery by 9 AM.

Dress code: Dark suits for men, white or light colored semi-formal attire for women.