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Richard Zinser Obituary
Richard C. Zinser, 68, of Friendswood, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 4th, 2011, after a long, brave battle with cancer.
Born July 15, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois to Richard H. Zinser and Dorothy Long Zinser, he is preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, June Darnell.
Richard graduated from Chillicothe High School and earned a bachelors degree at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He was a Vietnam veteran serving as an officer in the Unites States Navy on the USS Weiss. He began a career in banking at Jefferson Bank and First Federal Savings in Peoria, Illinois and in 1983 joined First City Bank in Austin, Texas. He later worked as a successful fundraising executive with the Central Development Office at the University of Texas at Austin, UTMB in Galveston and the University of Houston. Following the death of his wife, June, Mr. Zinser was married to Jeannette Reeder for 15 years.
Everyone who met Richard Zinser fell under the spell of his great charm and his quick wit. His kindness and generosity made him a treasured friend to many. He was always more concerned about the well-being of others than he was for himself and he greeted everyone with a smile.
He was passionate about his family and friends and enjoyed travel, good food and golf. Richard was an avid and excellent Bridge player, winning many tournaments and achieving the distinction of Life Master.
Mr. Zinser is survived by his son Richard Zinser and his wife Myra Murrill of Austin, Texas; sister Dona Z. Henderson of Durham, North Carolina; mother-in-law Eleanor Darnell of Peoria, Illinois; brother-in-law Jim Darnell and his wife Julie of Peoria, Illinois; and nieces and nephews, Criss Henderson, Heidi Bays, Jenna Darnell and Jamie Darnell.
For information on memorial contributions please contact the family at [email protected]. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date in Austin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Zinser
Juan
June 6, 2021
His mother and him were a delight. So kind and nice .Genuine great people.
Juan Gutierrez
August 1, 2020
I met Richard at first federal savings he gave me an unbelievable deal to open a restaurant in that first federal savings building he was always very kind and supportive and help me along my career my thanks to him for that opportunity I also know his mother who is a teacher of mine and I CC both of them and Richard’s wife a complete delight
Ron Pratt
November 13, 2016
Hard to believe it has already been 5 years since your passing. Barely a week goes by that Pat or I don't mention "Rick & June" or I have some tidbit of local news or gossip that you might find interesting. I miss ya, buddy!!!
June 19, 2011
Our family always considered the Zinser's as extended family. Like my brother Randy, I am saddened to learn of Rick's passing. Rick was a thoughful, intelligent and delightful person. To Rick, the glass was never half full -- it was always overflowing. He happily shared his optimism with others. Assuredly, our loss is heaven's gain. My thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family during this difficult time. May God bless you.
Charlene E. Coon
Washington, DC
June 17, 2011
Back in the old Chillicothe, ILL. days, Rick, his dad/mom/sister were great & close friends of our family, ie. my father worked with Dick at 1st National Bank for many, many years. Rick was highly intelligent, especially with financial matters, very witty and always fun to be around.....always felt very motivated in his presence. Our sympathy to all of his remaining family.
Randy Coon & family in Adealide, Australia + sister Charlene in DC
Barbara Wagner
June 16, 2011
I worked with Dick at The University of Texas at Austin. He was a great guy, full of fun and a love of life.
June 16, 2011
I have happy memories of
Rick, Gary and I back in
Sunday School.
Miranda
James Semmelroth Darnell
June 12, 2011
Rest in peace Uncle Rick, you will be greatly missed.
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