Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School there in 1946 and served in the Army from 1946 to 1948, first as a medic and then as editor of an Army newspaper in Trieste, Italy.
He earned a bachelor's degree in political science at Rutgers University in 1952, then a master's in 1956 and a doctorate in 1958, both in political science at Pennsylvania State University, his wife said.
In 1968, three antiwar Democrats were among four Montgomery County residents elected as delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. But Dr. Zucker was one of four other antiwar Montgomery Democrats who did not attract enough votes to get a delegate's ticket.
In 1972, he and Harry J. Barton of Pottstown sued Bell Telephone Co. of Pennsylvania, stating that a 50-cent monthly surcharge for an unlisted number violated their right to privacy. The federal suit also named the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, saying a lack of a public hearing on the matter violated their right to due process.
In 1975, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a U.S. District Court ruling against the plaintiffs.
While teaching at Ursinus, Dr. Zucker earned a master of arts degree in 1975 at Bryn Mawr College, where he composed a Mass for his thesis, his wife said.
He founded the Meeting House String Chamber Orchestra and I Concertisti, a baroque quartet, both at Methacton Mennonite Church, north of Norristown. Both groups performed at weddings, receptions, and school workshops, his wife said.
He also formed Delphi Camerata, a madrigal ensemble composed of musicians at Ursinus.
His wife said he had composed an oratorio based on The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution for Cause of Conscience, which Roger Williams wrote in London in 1644. The East Bay Chorus and Orchestra performed it at a church in Providence, R.I., in 1986 for the 350th anniversary of Williams' charter for the colony, she said.
Dr. Zucker wrote works performed by the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia at venues such as the Walnut Street Theatre and Holy Trinity Church on Rittenhouse Square.
And he self-published two memoirs, I Remember Trieste in 2003 and I'm Still Here in 2006.
Besides his wife of 46 years, Dr. Zucker is survived by a son, F. Andrew; a sister; and three grandchildren. His daughter, Cristina Jordan, died in 2008. He was predeceased by his former wife, Constance.
A memorial is planned for an undetermined date and place early in 2011.
Contact staff writer Walter F. Naedele at 215-854-5607 or wnaedele@phillynews.com.
