Richard (Rick) Frederick Zinsser Jr., 77, a lifelong resident of Southwestern Pennsylvania, passed away in his home on July 30th, 2025. He was born in Pittsburgh on December 28th, 1947, a son of the late Richard and Catherine (Kirner) Zinsser Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Zinsser, his sister, Kathleen Zinsser, as well as his stepson, Mark Davidson. In addition to his more than two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his wife, Carol (Wood) Zinsser of New Brighton, two daughters, Heidi (Shawn) O’Connor and Miami Heather (Jim) Schmidt, Roswell, four stepchildren: Scott (Kathy) Davidson, Aliene (Don) Mittner, Kelly (Norman) Hainer, Joe (Dana) Tabay; as well as two sisters, Debbie (Paul) Roxer of Virginia Beach and Beth (Allen) Crivelli of Pittsburgh and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Richard 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.

He moved to New Brighton 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”.

He 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. He also 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.

Friends will be welcomed Sunday, August 3rd, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 4th at 11 a.m., at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton, with Fr Tom Kredel and Fr Howard Campbell co-officiating.

Military honors and burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, 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.