Richard F. Zinsser Jr.

Richard (Rick) Frederick Zinsser Jr. died in his home on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Southwestern Pennsylvania, he was born on December 28, 1947.  In Pittsburgh, Pa, to the late Richard and Catherine (Kirner) Zinsser Sr.

Rick served his country in the United States Army. Upon returning home, he worked for various tree service companies, including Asplundh and Lewis, as a member of the IBEW 1919.

Rick moved to New Brighton, Pa., in the early 1990s and met the love of his life, Carol. They got engaged after just six weeks of dating and formed a union that lasted through 30 years of marriage, as well as many episodes of “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune”.

Rick was a man of few words, but his actions had a lasting impact on anyone who met him. He was the past president and current treasurer of the New Brighton Lions Club. Rick served as Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was the recipient of the Fr. Marcus O’Brien Service Award from Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2015.

Of the many titles he’d held in life, the one he cherished most was Pap to his many grandchildren. Nick-named “The Baby Whisperer”, even the most upset, colicky babies would immediately find peace and fall asleep in his arms.

In addition to his more than two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rick is survived by his wife Carol (Wood) Zinsser, New Brighton, two daughters, Heidi (Shawn) O’Connor, Miami Heather (Jim) Schmidt, Roswell, four stepchildren, Scott (Kathy) Davidson, Aliene (Don) Mittner, Kelly (Norman) Hainer, Joe (Dana) Tabay, two sisters, Debbie (Paul) Roxer, Virginia Beach, Beth (Allen) Crivelli, Pittsburgh, and several nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Zinsser, and sister, Kathleen Zinsser, as well as stepson Mark Davidson.

Friends will be welcomed Sunday, August 3, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 11am, at Our Lady of The Valley, Holy Family Parish, with Fr Tom Kredel and Fr Howard Campbell Co-officiating.

Military honors and burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the New Brighton Lions Club, 720 3rd Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066.