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Richard Zimmer Obituary
News Death Notice
ZIMMER, Richard Dick A. age 77, of Dayton, lost his courageous battle with cancer on April 19, 2010. He was born March 1, 1933 in Dayton, Ohio. He was a graduate of Chaminade High School. He then joined the United States Navy, where he served aboard the USS Intrepid. He worked at Ohio Bell Telephone, retiring after 30 years. Dick dedicated his life to the concerns of the Dayton community, beginning his life of public service on the Belmont/Eastmont/Hearthstone Community Council. He also served on the Southeast Priority Board and held many positions at Immaculate Conception Parish. He was later elected to the Dayton City Commission and served a total of 21 years, where he worked tirelessly and honorably to represent all of the citizens of Dayton. His energy seemed unlimited as he also served for 36 years as an East Dayton Optimist, holding many offices over the years, including President & Lt. Governor of the State organization. He was instrumental in the development of many programs to benefit the youth of the Dayton area. He also served as a volunteer at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Dayton Childrens Medical Center. In his "retirement" he enjoyed playing golf, gardening, traveling, and visiting all of his friends at the Second Street Market and Amber Rose. Above all else, Dicks commitment and love was most evident in his dedication as a husband, father, grand-father and great-grandfather. Dick lived his entire life, and especially through his illness, as an "Optimist" and man of great faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence O. & Regina Zimmer, wife of 42 years, Carol (Costello) Zimmer, and siblings, Clarence (Bud) Zimmer, Jerome Zimmer, Ronald Zimmer, Shirley Czimbalmos, and Theresa Zimmer. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Clarke)(Iimura) Zimmer; daughters, Kathleen (William) Bierlein, Christina (John) Forsyth, Sandra (Doug) Barnum, Jenifer (Mike) Wilhelm and Julie Myers, all of Dayton; sons Dennis (Renée), Anthony (fiancée Amanda), Timothy (Beth) and Nicholas, all of Dayton; Step-children Cheryl Iimura and Karen (Larry) Metcalfe of California. Grandpa to Michelle (Bierlein) and Jason Fitzwater, Melanie Bierlein, Megan (Bierlein) & Cameron Cowden, Mollie Forsyth & fiancé Shaun Spiller, Sarah (Forsyth) & Eli Carson, Michael & Caleb Zimmer, Benjamin Sprauer, Jacob & Anna Zimmer, SSgt. Charles White, Jr. USAF (Lorrie), Erin White, Stephanie White & fiancé Samuel Jenkins, Emily, Samantha, Katie & Adam Wilhelm and Alexandria & Jason Myers; Great-grandpa to Benjamin & Zachary Fitzwater, Brenya Carson, Tyler Jones, CJ and Colin White and Kailee Sutton. Step-grandpa to Mary & Adam Raffield, Justin Herlehy & Rachel Metcalfe, Chris (Cindy) Barnum, Brad (Allison) Barnum and Andrea (Shiv) Phatak. He is also survived by brothers, Kenneth Zimmer and George (Pat) Zimmer, sister, Rita (Ken) Shade, and sister-in-law Judy Zimmer, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, numerous former colleagues, and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 23, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 10 Notre Dame Ave., Dayton, OH, with the Rev. Michael Holloran officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton, OH. The family will receive friends at Immaculate Conception Church, 2300 S. Smithville Rd., Dayton, OH on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Dayton Childrens Hospital, East Dayton Optimist Club, or Hospice of Dayton. Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Zimmer
Susan (Spahn) Johnson
May 2, 2010
My prayers are with all the family. Your Mom and Dad have always held a special place in my heart. I treasure all the memories growing up across the street from the Zimmers. Love to all, Susan
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
April 26, 2010
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE ZIMMER FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. ZIMMER.
April 25, 2010
Deepest sympathies from all of us at the Dayton Liederkranz-Turner. Dick was an advocate of the Liedkranz and will be missed by us all.
Sincerely,
Lori Hemmelgarn, President, DLT
April 25, 2010
To Nick, Tim , Sandy, Jennifer and Julie, My deepest sympathy for the passing of your Dad. He was a special person. Sincerely, Mrs. Joan Jennewine, 5th grade ICS.
Ava Hunter
April 24, 2010
Nick, Tim, Sandy, Doug and Zimmer Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear father. My thoughts and prayers are with you, may your memories sustain you in your time of grief.
Sincerely,
Ava
mike carrico
April 24, 2010
my thoughts and condolences are with richards family.he and i spent many mornings at frischs,as well as many fine conversations.richard was a great guy and will surely be missed,i am sorry for your loss.mike carrico
Dan & Gloria Owens (GJO Distributors & Contracting
April 24, 2010
Dennis,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April 24, 2010
The Zimmer Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
The McBride Family
April 24, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lynn Bollheimer
April 23, 2010
Nick,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcia Cox
April 23, 2010
Jenni, Nick and the entire Zimmer Family: You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Zimmer was a wonderful man and always had a great smile on his face and thank you for showing us all how to be a wonderful Christian (to love one another). Marcia Balsom Cox
Deb Bierley
April 23, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jenifer, Julie, and your whole family!
Rob Fortener
April 23, 2010
Nick, Tony, and entire Zimmer family,
Sorry for your loss. Keeping your entire family in my prayers.
Bob and Cathy Powers
April 23, 2010
Sorry for your loss, your father was a good and caring man. You have our condolensces.
Cathy Sorice-Coppola
April 23, 2010
My condolensce go out to MaryAnn and the Zimmerman family. Dick was such a caring and kind person. He always had a smile on his face every time he came into Lohrey Center. His memories will live on forever. My prayers are with you.
John Shade
April 22, 2010
Uncle Dick, was a man that devoted his life to his family, friends and community - he will be missed by many - a great loss to us all - as far as I can remember I looked up to him - with great memories of his laugh and always having a smile at all the family functions. When down, look back and remember his smile and that will lift you up. My thoughts and prayers are with all the people that Uncle Dick has touched.
Cheryl Harper
April 22, 2010
Sandy, I do not know the family but I do know you. We have shared the same journey this past year and have learned alot about life and unfortunatly death. Share the good times and make more. Remember to laugh out loud. My mother and your father have just started their final and grandest journey. Watching over us and being proud of us as we are proud of them. We will miss them. We will join them some day.
Love and prayers to you and your family.
Sharon Harshman
April 22, 2010
To All of the Zimmer family;
May God bless and keep you all in his loving care as you go through this very difficult time. Mr. Zimmer was always a kind person and often helpful to our family in advice when we would come up against a problem and have an answer for us. He was an outstanding human being. God bless you all.
Kathy Hefflin
April 22, 2010
Denny and Family
May God comfort and keep you. I pray for peace and strength for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your co-worker
Paul Gruner
April 22, 2010
As a board member of We Care Arts, I remember his many years of support and participation in our fundraising events. I sincerely appreciate his efforts and his selfless support or this organization.
April 22, 2010
On behalf of the Gorman School staff, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Zimmer family.
Teresa Horvath
April 22, 2010
Dick Zimmer was always so nice and helpful to anyone he met; willing to give of himself to better others. He was always considered a warm and caring heart to Old North Dayton. We will all miss him very much! My deepest condolences to Mary Ann and his entire family!
April 22, 2010
Zippo & Jennifer:
Your Dad was a true friend to all Daytonians, and a great ambassador for our City. His tremendous people skills rubbed off on all those he interracted with. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathies to you and yours.
Jimmy, Julie, Tyler & Cameron Rohrer
Tina Kavy
April 22, 2010
Dick was the older brother of Teresa, who I was friends with, since grade school at OLR and at Julienne, etc. When Teresa and I walked for Dick in his campaigns we called ourselves "street walkers" for Dick Zimmer :) ) I will miss him very much. Maryanne, Julie, Mark, Kathy etc., you all have my deepest sympathy. The weekend that Teresa died, so did my Dad and he was there for me, during his time of sorrow. You all are in my prayers,
Tina Kavy
Stan & Jan Ellingson
April 22, 2010
Our prayers are with the Zimmer family at this time. May the Lord comfort each in a wonderful way.
April 22, 2010
Dear Julie, Mary Ann and family,
Our prayers are lifted up for Dick and for all of you. Dick's unwavering belief and support for the sanctity of human life was a great blessing.Our tears are shared with you during this time of great sorrow.
Your Friends at Elizabeth's Ne Life Center
Janice Tipton
April 22, 2010
Condolences to the family. All of Dayton will miss Dick, he was the best commissioner we ever saw serving Dayton. He was the kindest man I ever knew.
Tricia Wysong
April 22, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. My sympathy to the family.
Hazel Brown-Thompson
April 22, 2010
Dear Julie, I Dont Know If You Remember Me Or Not,We Worked Together In Physical Therapy At St. Elizabeth Hospital, Thats How I Met Your Father. He Quickly Became The One Of The Most Dedicated Volunteer There, He Spoke Of You, Your Brothers,Sisters, And Grandchildren Often,And I'm Blessed To Say We Became Friends. God Be With You And Your Family In Your Time Of Sorrow
April 22, 2010
You know what I will remember most about Grandpa... He always gave rosie cheeks...
M L Withrow
April 21, 2010
Dear Mary Ann and Family members. I'm so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. During the past few years ,we got to know each other on a "first name" basis at the Lofino's Senior Center. You both were always pleasant with a friendly "hello". Dick will be missed.My sincere sympathy to you and the Zimmer Family.
Sharon Hoerner
April 21, 2010
Tony,
My sympathy to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon Hoerner
Christie Sanderman
April 21, 2010
To the girls at Amber Rose, Dick and Mary Ann were more than just customers, they were family. Mr. Zimmer genuinely cared about each and everyone of us and his love and zest for life was simply amazing and inspiring. He was a good, honest man who put others before himself and I feel truly blessed to have known him. He will be missed terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We'll never forget you Mr. Z!
Pat Howe
April 21, 2010
Dear Sandy, Doug, Julie, Jenifer, Mike and Adam,
Your "family" at Bridge Riding for the Disabled loves you all and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your dad would be so very proud of all the joy, kindness and time you give to so many disabled riders. God Bless you all through this difficult time.
Barbara Harsnman
April 21, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Les Pomerville
April 21, 2010
REQUIEM AETERNAM, DONA EIS DOMINE; ET LUX PER PETUA, LUCE AT EIS.
Rita Harden
April 21, 2010
Jenifer,
May loving memories comfort you through this most difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April 21, 2010
Tony & Family
We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family during the death of your Dad.
Paul & Cindy Bretz
Mary Graves
April 21, 2010
Dear Zimmer Family,
I first met "Dick" when I hostessed at the Park Row and he came in for dinner. Such a fine man and so proud of his family. Later, as Mayor of Bellbrook, we would meet at different meetings and he would always be so nice and friendly. I saw him last at a meeting at Wright Pat with his wife and he told me that he had been ill but was going to beat this illness and keep active. He was a special person and I am proud that I can say he was a friend. My prayers are with you all.
Helen Wyskiver
April 21, 2010
I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Amber Marks
April 21, 2010
Churchill said:
We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.
Uncle Dick showed us this was true and will live on through his contributions to the community and the love and thoughts of all his family and friends.
Kathy A.
April 21, 2010
Dear Kathy:
I don't know if you remember me or not, but we went to Sinclair together. I was "Kathy A" and you were "Kathy B.". I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I lost my dad back in 2005 and it was a life altering experience.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy A.
April 21, 2010
i am so sorry for the loss of such a great man!
Sharon and Bill O'Neil
April 21, 2010
Dick was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Penny & Mike Trimbach
April 21, 2010
Tim, Bethie and the entire family,
May God bless each one of you in your time of sorrow for this great loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We love you.
April 21, 2010
What a priviledge to know Dick,may God be with you all as you live without him. What a great example he has set, with such a positive attitude.
Homer Rissinger
2nd Street Market
April 21, 2010
our prayers go with you all. Dick will be greatly missed.
Larry and Shirley O'Neil
Cindy Landry
April 21, 2010
My deepest sympathies goes out to you Mary Ann and to your family. Dick will truly be missed by all. He was a great neighbor.
EDDIE A. FRANKLIN
April 21, 2010
EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL. OUR MANY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND FAMILY.
Betty Rike
April 20, 2010
I will always remember Dick Zimmer, who attended the Eastern Hills Neighborhood Council Meetings. He was a true lover of Dayton. I wish the family my condolences. Betty Rike
John and Ronnie Fitzwater
April 20, 2010
Our deepest condolensces to Kathy, Bill, our dear daughter-in-law, Michelle, Jason, Melanie, Megan and Cam. Our prayers are with you during this most difficult time. May you be comforted by all your wonderful memories.
Terry & NIna Bretz
April 20, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Marty Jenkins
April 20, 2010
Stephanie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know your grandpa was a very special man to you and to many others around him. He will be greatly missed.
Love,
Marty
April 20, 2010
Dear Mary Ann and Dick's family, He lost the battle, but he won a place in heaven. What a wonderful human being. To know him was to love him. We will personally miss him very much. God bless all you, and above all remember God loves you and will carry you during these tough days. Bogie and Judy Bogner
J Turner
April 20, 2010
I remember making quick friends with Mr Zimmer way back when working at Stumps Supermarket. He would come in frequently and always chatted with me until the line was backed up.:) He was a kind man and my sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Gina Zimmer-Morter
April 20, 2010
Uncle Dick, I always looked forward to getting your beautiful Christmas card every year. I love you very much and will truly miss you. God Bless. Love Always, Gina Zimmer-Morter and Kevin Morter
Gina Zimmer-Morter
April 20, 2010
Uncle Dick, I always looked forward to getting your beautiful Christmas card every year. I love you very much and will truly miss you. Love, Gina Zimmer-Morter and Kevin Morter
Marty Schaefer-Stegeman
April 20, 2010
My heart goes out to all of his family, especially Cathy. Mr. Zimmer always had a welcome word and a smile. God bless you with warm memories and the knowledge that he is at peace with his Lord!
brian linnean
April 20, 2010
You touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again.
Ronda Christian
April 20, 2010
Uncle Dick, I will miss you very much. I know you will be at peace with my Daddy in Heaven. I love you and God Bless. LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER,RONDA
Debbie Trimbach
April 20, 2010
Dick will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Nancy S
April 20, 2010
To Judy Z
Thanks for sharing your memories with me I feel I knew Dick as a friend.
April 20, 2010
To Judy Z
Thanks for sharing your memories with me I feel I knew Dick as a friend
Kimberly Trapp
April 20, 2010
Uncle Dick, I Love you and will miss you very much.
Your Niece,
Kimberly
Galen Plott
April 20, 2010
Dayton has lost one of it's best friends.
April 20, 2010
To the family, Dick was a childhood friend at St Anthony School and a great supporter of Carroll spring soccer. If ever support is needed Dick was there. This also applies to the city of Dayton . To the family we offer our condolences and love.
The Leo Noll Family, Beavercreek, Ohio
George
April 20, 2010
To Meg and family,
GPA was such an amazing man who did so many wonderful things over the years. My heart is with you all. I will always cherish the times I got to spend with him. All of my love and prayers.
Bob Rosencrans
April 20, 2010
Dick,
When we talked about our respective cities you gave perspectives to issues and helped make them easier to deal with them. You also help me appreciate that it is the people that we work for, all of them.
Thank you again, you will be missed.
Bob
Robert H Van Leeuwen
April 20, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Richard. I have know him for many years and consider him one of my best friends. I will keep him in my prayers.
Terri Acosta Cheryl Law
April 20, 2010
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to my cousins and their children. It is unimaginably hard when we lose a parent and grandparent of the great caliber that Uncle Dick always was. In the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow...When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men. Uncle Dick's light will shine on the paths of all of us who knew him and had the great fortune of having him touch our lives. Our love and prayers to you.
Bob & Shara Hopkins
April 20, 2010
George & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this time.
Cindy Combs (Bir)
April 20, 2010
Sandy and Family,
I'm so sorry about the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful person. I always enjoyed talking with him at Amber Rose and thoroughly enjoyed attending a Dragons game as his guest in one of the suites, it was such a treat. I was so touched when he came to Chris' viewing even though he had never met him, that will always remain close to my heart. Please know you are in all of our thoughts and prayers. With all of our love, Cindy & Family.
Lynda Hackett
April 20, 2010
Dick Zimmer was a fine friend, a man to be counted! I will treasure our conversations, especially at one of his favorite haunts, the Amber Rose in North Dayton. Thanks for a great time, encouraging words, and kindness.
Frank Gitzinger
April 20, 2010
Dick was truly a great American and all who have known him have had a shining example of how a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather believes in interacting with his family.
He has been an inspiration to many of his friends and neighbors and to the citizens of Dayton.
He has been a respected member of his church and his community and has brought joy to many who knew him.
We will miss him and pray for his unity with God and his family and friends who have gone before him. Frank Gitzinger
SHARON GUDORF
April 20, 2010
OUR VERY DEEPEST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
DICK WAS A FRIEND OF JERRY SINCE GRADE SCHOOL
HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM.
HE IS AT PEACE AND WITH GOD NOW.
GOD BLESS
THE GUDORF FAMILY
JERRY & SHARON
ROBIN & ZACHARY
KELLI & TOM
Terry (Driscoll)Reeves
April 19, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Richard when he worked for Ohio Bell. My mother Betty(Driscoll)Elder worked with him and spoke of him often. He was always a pleasure to talk with. No matter where you seen him, even if he was eating at Marions Pizza he would take the time to stop and talk and joke with you. He was there when my mother passed away. He will be missed. My prayers go out to the family.
penny stamper
April 19, 2010
Tim,Beth and family
Iam so sorry my thoughts and heart is with you.
Mollie Forsyth
April 19, 2010
I love you Grandpa... I will miss you so much... You are my hero and the strongest person I know...
Danielle Mackey-Hamdan
April 19, 2010
To the and Family and Friends of Mr.Zimmer,
I didn't know him well, but He went to school with my grandfather Jerry Mackey, and when my grandfather passed away, he came to the viewing and shared stories of them as teenagers,and from when they were in the service. He has done alot of great things for Dayton, my condolences are with you at this time.
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU
Lori Baker
April 19, 2010
Truely a remarkable man with such a wonderful family.
Times like this may there only be one set of footprints in the sand because this is when God will carry you. MY heart goes out to all of you, and that God may ease the pain.
Sharon Sears
April 19, 2010
Commissioner Zimmer was a friend, and mentor. He was truly one of, if not the, most honest elected official I have known, always making employees feel good about the job they were doing. My husband John and I became part of the large Zimmer family many years ago and were lucky enough to talk with him and Mary Ann a couple of weeks ago - we laughed about old times and how proud he was of his son Tim, one of John's best friends. Dayton has lost one of her biggest supporters - we have lost a great example of the type of person and American that we should all strive to be.
thomas crowl
April 19, 2010
My sincere condolensce to his family. We have lost a quality person who knew that being a good politician did not mean giving up your humanity or the ability to see both sides of an argument in the interest of the community. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends in the community.Tom Crowl, Port Charlotte,Fl.
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