Robert Daniel "Dan" Zehr

November 11, 1944 - January 9, 2019

Raleigh

On January 9, 2019 Dan Zehr passed away surrounded by his loving wife Ginny, sons, daughter-in-law, Alison Blue, and sister-in-law, Joyce McCulloch. Dan was born November 11, 1944 to parents Robert Daniel Zehr, Sr., and Louise McCain Zehr in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Michael Zehr of San Antonio, Texas, and his beloved niece Leeah McCulloch of Dallas, Texas.

Dan spent most of his youth in San Antonio, Texas then graduated from Rice University in Houston, Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree. He began his PhD studies at Emory University, then followed his research advisor to North Dakota State University to complete his studies. He worked as a research chemist ending his career at the EPA, his favorite job. Dan loved music, playing his string bass in various orchestras, chamber music and jazz ensembles in Texas, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina, from Chapel Hill to Wilmington.

Dan is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ginny Zehr, four sons, Robert Zehr (Kelly) of New Jersey, Peter Zehr (Cathy) of New Jersey, Jeremy Zehr (Mary Ann) of Colorado, Jonathan Zehr (Alison Blue) of North Carolina, three grandchildren, Tristan Zehr, Evan Zehr, and Kaitlyn Zehr, his sister, Mary Zehr Reed of Raleigh, and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be held at 2 pm January 15 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church,1520 Canterbury Road in Raleigh. A reception will follow in the parish hall. The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, medical personnel, and caretakers who supported him for five years especially Dr. Bermudez. Additional thanks to their neighbors and friends for their support and kindness. Special thanks to Margaret Garriss, Phyllis Garriss and Meredith Cooper and members of the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra, the Durham Symphony Orchestra and the Raleigh Area Flute Association for providing music at the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Michael's Episcopal Church, the Community Music School or the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra.

Condolences may be shared at cremationsocietync.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Jan. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Zehr

Sponsored by Cremation Society of the Carolinas/Capital Funeral Home - Raleigh.

12 Entries

Aaron A. Fried

August 19, 2023

Hi, I was thinking of Dan today, as well as some other times when I am trying to solve a challenging chemistry problem. So I decided to see if I could find him on the web, and found this sad news of his passing! I met Dan at Emory about '67 or '68, where we were both graduate students. I had just begun my studies there trying to apply what I recently had learned about writing strategies for organic syntheses, for example, as given to us on the chem department's cumulative exams. Dan was a whiz at that, just amazing! He gave me some tips on his methods, and it became obvious to me that what he could do was more of a gift, a talent, equivalent to something a chess master would possess, rather than a step-wise approach that I could easily memorize and use! I wish I had tried to reach him earlier! I'm 78. Maybe, if I am lucky, I will see him on the other side. May his memory be for a blessing.

Solomon Hilliard

May 31, 2020

I worked with Dan at the EPA in 2009. I remember he had a can-do attitude and didn't let his age get in the way of anything. He was a great scientist and I don't even think that was his passion, that was probably his music. He was an awesome individual and a man of many, many talents.
He will be missed.

Nancy Wilson

May 20, 2019

I just learned of Dan's passing, and send
my deepest sympathy to Ginny and the rest of Dan's family. Dan was an excellent
musician and a fine chemist, with whom I had the opportunity to both enjoy playing music
and to enjoy his friendship, sense of humor, and many hours puzzling over organic chemistry problems when we were at EPA.

Bryan Shaw

January 20, 2019

I only just saw today about Dan's passing. He was one of the kindest people I ever met. I dearly cherish the many hours I was able to play next to him.

Hunter Daughtrey

January 19, 2019

I was sorry to learn of Dan's passing. I worked with him for his first job after EPA. I most remember is quiet, sly sense of humor.

Richard Eckberg

January 16, 2019

It was my privilege to perform alongside Dan in the Durham Symphony Bass section. He was a true friend and gentleman, a fine bassist and he possessed a great knowledge of classical music repertoire. He is already missed.

Richard Eckberg

Pamela Pandolfi

January 15, 2019

I performed in many concerts with Dan throughout the years. He was always steady, dependable and a loyal member of the group. Dan was kind, sweet, charming and helpful in all situations. It was a delight and joy to be with Ginny and Dan both in professional and social settings; so many lovely memories... I will miss him.

Bob Anderson

January 15, 2019

My condolences to Ginny and the entire family. Dan was a fine musician who also supported his colleagues in Local 500 as a leader in the union. He was a real gentleman. I love the picture of Dan with his bass. I'm sure he approves. Peace.
Bob Anderson

Denise MacMillan

January 14, 2019

I was very fortunate to work with Dan at the EPA. He was a delightful person, a great collaborator, and full of great ideas and expertise for solving thorny research problems. My heart goes out to Ginny and his family.

anita burroughs price

January 14, 2019

I played with Dan several times with Raleigh Symphony. He was a lovely musician and beloved colleague. His kind spirit and bright intellect will be sorely missed. Much love to Ginny, his family and all whose lives he touched.

Foston Curtis

January 13, 2019

I worked with Dan at EPA for a number of years. He was a kind and gentle man who was a joy to work with.

Lanette Lind

January 13, 2019

I will miss Dan very much. He was not only an excellent and very giving musician, he had a charming sense of humor. He was a truly gentle man and an absolute delight.

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