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RICHARD ZIRINSKY Obituary
Richard William Zirinsky Jr., age 54, died Sunday night in Sag Harbor, New York. He had been struggling with a severe pulmonary illness for more than a decade. He is the beloved son of the late Richard W. Zirinsky, a prominent New York real estate owner and developer, and his wife Cynthia Zirinsky, a mental health advocate. Richard was born in New York City on January 25, 1964. He attended the Woodmere Academy in Woodmere, NY, the Kildonan School in Amenia, NY, and the University of Bridgeport, in Bridgeport, CT. After his studies he relocated to San Francisco where he pursued his passion for music. He later returned to New York, where he worked for decades in the family real estate business, most recently as the President of Parkwell Management Corp. He was also the founder of Adventure Music, along with world-renowned mandolin player Mike Marshall, the preeminent Brazilian Jazz record label in the United States. Adventure's musicians include many Grammy Award winning artists. Richard was also a supporter of the Westhampton Performing Arts Center, and he acted as a mentor to many fledgling jazz artists. He was also an enthusiastic antique car collector, and he was a long time supporter of The Trust For Public Land. Among his survivors are his mother, his sister Susan Zirinsky, her husband Joe Peyronnin and their daughter Zoe, and his niece Cynthia Eckes, her husband Craig Eckes and their son Brett, all of New York City. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am Thursday, April 5, at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Avenue, New York. The interment will follow at Mt. Ararat Cemetery, 1165 Route 109, Lindenhurst, NY. Then the Zirinsky family will be receiving from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Manhattan home of Cynthia Zirinsky. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard Zirinsky's name to Trust For Public Land, Philanthropy Department, 666 Broadway #9, New York, NY, 10012, or Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 578, Sagaponack, NY, 11962.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD ZIRINSKY
Virginia Mishkin
November 11, 2020
I am saddened to read this news. I worked with Richard at Gracie Square hospital in NY. He worked in the lab and I was in radiology. We shared many laughs and good times. While I was studying for my degree, he helped me with the mandatory business course. Throughout the years, I often thought of Richard. I am sorry for your loss and wish I had reconnected with Richard.
Tracy and Nick Ely
April 2, 2019
Dearest Rich, our vivid memories of your many warm, supportive, loving gestures shine brightly and continue to warm our hearts.
We often think of your beloved rescue dogs; you had such a special bond with each of them. We remember your deep love of music, the incredible energy that you put into Adventure Music, and how you thoughtfully shared many of your favorite artists with us over the years.
We remember how you always delighted in each holiday season and the way that you showered your loved ones with very thoughtful, unique, generous gifts.
Your incredibly kind, loving spirit will always glow in our hearts; we'll be forever grateful for our cherished friendship.
We love and miss you so, sweet one.
Kathy Aplin
March 28, 2019
A year passes by quickly and days fade away, but your memory remains alive and deep in many hearts. I feel your presence and know you are watching all your friends from a place with no pain. Till we meet again, I cherish the memories.
Raul Da Gama
March 28, 2019
Gone a year and it seems like yesterday. Your legacy lives on in the music dear Z
May 25, 2018
Z,
You struggled so long.
You touched so many.
You left too soon.
Oh so sorry to hear.
Godspeed, old friend.
HC
Mike Marshall
April 28, 2018
Sometimes there are angels sent down from heaven. Richard was one of those. He blessed many of us musicians with his un-bounded generosity through our Adventure Music Label. His love for music will live on forever because of his energetic persistence that people become aware of all that he cared for. His standards of excellence were of the highest whether the recording quality or the artistic presentation. He held up all that he loved for all to see and hear and appreciate. Supported it to the end, and in so doing, he has made this mad, mad world a more beautiful place. Thank you Richard. We love you and wish you well as you fly to a better place. Mike Marshall
Tom LaGrassa
April 10, 2018
I started out working for Rich.. Big Daddy as my Brothers and I called him. We fast became friends and had some very special fun times working at Deerfield and Rich was always there for me to talk to and support me and my Family.
Big Daddy had a big heart and he was one of the warmest people I've ever been around and over the years I've missed his friendship and laughter more than anyone.
I just found out about his passing yesterday and my condolences to Cynthia , Susan and the rest of the Family
LOVE YOU BIG DADDY ..Tom LaGrassa
Russell & Mea Smith
April 9, 2018
Our most heartfelt sympathy to the Zirinskys, Meredith and Francesca.
We know how much Richard loved you all.
Richard, we shared your love of cars, animals, interesting food, great music and good times.
Never has there been a more generous, thoughtful and considerate individual.
We shall miss your emails and our texting battles. Also, our easy banter of back and forth complimentary volleys.
You were a blessing to so many, not just the underprivileged. Always the first to offer a helping hand or a kind word.
Truthfully, you made the world a better place.
We'll miss you so very much. We know that you would not want tears, but instead a song. So, "Ricky Bobby" we shall sing tonight and think of you.
Be happy, wherever you are.
See you again one day, our dear friend.
Mariza Adnet
April 8, 2018
Dear Z, our love for you always! Miss you....
Gene De Souza
April 8, 2018
I first met Richard when the Jobim Sinfônico album was released and the artists came to Ft Lauderdale for an amazing concert. Adventure Music released the album and Richard was always very supportive. I could tell he had the same passion for Brazilian music as I did. I always play his label's music on my radio show and he supported every single pledge drive on WDNA for the last 10+ years. The impact Adventure Music has had on Brazilian artists and expanding their careers in the US is imesurable. I am always excited when a new release arrives in my mail box, the old fashioned way. Obrigado Richard for your hard work, your generosity and your passion that touched so many around the world.
Tracy and Nick Ely
April 7, 2018
Beautiful Rich, how do we begin to thank you for your remarkably thoughtful, loving friendship? From our very first conversation in 1995, we immediately felt your warm, sincere energy.
Your great love for rescue dogs and your ardent advocacy for all animals has been beyond admirable.
We have always admired your tireless work with the Trust for Public Land to protect and preserve open spaces.
Thank you for introducing us to so many amazing musicians through your beloved Adventure Music.
Your long-time support of my photography work meant more to me than you ever could have imagined.
During your health struggles, you never once complained; your sweet, positive energy continued to shine.
Your dear friendship and wellspring of generosity have been a truly precious gift to us.
We send our most heartfelt wishes of comfort, strength, and love to the Zirinsky family, Meredith and Francesca.
Love you always, sweet Z. You'll remain in our hearts forever.
Jane Brown
April 6, 2018
I write this, perhaps, more for myself than anyone else. Who do I share these memories with now? Memories that I would have had, from long ago, that only one other person knew, or remembered. Richie. My memory of him dates back to a summer, years ago, when my summer job was to teach him to overcome a fear of water, and learn how to swim. We bonded that summer, despite our age difference, and that bond lasted a lifetime...although that lifetime was not nearly long enough. Who do I share these things with now? Who will remember, and laugh at these shared memories? There is no one left to remember them, but me. As we grew older, we spent days in his bedroom, listening to music. It always appears to be summer in those memories.....the sun is always shining through those bedroom windows. My father will come home soon from the golf course. My uncle is out in the garage, filing nuts and bolts away in marked boxes. It is a snapshot in time, that I hold with me. After I moved away, we would email, writing about those past times, the people who drifted in and out of those memories. The music. When I heard of Richies passing, the first thing I did was find Gregory Isaacs Soon Forward on Youtube, and listened to it. Richie would have understood that. Once again, I was back in that bedroom with my little cousin by my side, listening. I went back then, and re-read some of our emails. The last was only from last week. But as always, he would remind me that I was much loved. You are, too, Little Richie, now and forever. You will never be forgotten and will always live in my heart. Peace to you, finally.
Raul da Gama
April 6, 2018
Your legacy in support of music will always be remembered and so you will never be forgotten
Liz Gribin
April 6, 2018
Richie, your memory is a lasting one of joy and beauty,as you devoted your life to music and helping others.
Karl Oppenheimer
April 6, 2018
Richard was the first student I met when I came to visit Kildonan on my interview as a prospective student. He toured me around the campus and shared with me the passion he had for the great learning and promise he found at Kildonan. Richard immediately made me feel at ease with the prospect of leaving home and entering into a new environment. I know that was the case for countless others who considered attending Kildonan. When I returned to join the faculty of Kildonan, and throughout my career here, the positive impact Richard made on me, others, and Kildonan remained prominent.
Jill Zirinsky Hirsch
April 5, 2018
I mourn the loss of my cousin, whom I affectionately called Little Richie throughout our childhood. Little Richie and I grew up together and spent many weekends swimming, golf carting, playing outside with his beloved dogs, and eating cream cheese and butter sandwiches that we brought up to his room through a hand pulled elevator.
Although we hadnt been in touch in a long time for reasons out of our control, I thought of him often and cherished our time spent together. I will always remember Little Richie as a kind soul with warm brown eyes and a warm heart. Rest In Peace.
Jill Zirinsky Hirsch
April 5, 2018
I mourn the loss of my cousin, whom I affectionately called Little Richie throughout our childhood. Little Richie and I grew up together and spent many weekends swimming, golf carting, playing outside with his beloved dogs, and eating cream cheese and butter sandwiches that we brought up to his room through a hand pulled elevator.
Although we hadn't been in touch in a long time for reasons out of our control, I thought of him often and cherished our time spent together. I will always remember Little Richie as a kind soul with warm brown eyes and a warm heart. Rest In Peace.
Bill Raney
April 5, 2018
Richard Zirinsky, it's difficult to come to grips on your passing. Z was the most warm and caring person I have ever known . I was his Fedex man for over 20 yrs and knew him when he was healthy. We talked a lot and it was very difficult to see him suffer more and more as his condition worsened. Yet, he always found the time to ask me about my life. This is a void that will last forever. No more suffering, my friend. I take peace that I let him know how special I thought he was before he passed. My sincere condolences to the whole Zirinsky family including Meredith and Francesca.
James Berman
April 5, 2018
We went to Kildonan together. He was 2 years older than me but a real friend to me. He introduced me to great music. He was always happy and all the kids wanted to hang out with him. Its sad that he is gone, but not forgotten.
Marcos Amorim
April 5, 2018
to make music is like sending a message in a bottle to someone we do not know somewhere far away.
What our Z did was spread our messages in many bottles around the world.
Every time someone hears our songs, in distant places, our Z will lives forever and this world will get a little better.
April 5, 2018
You were already an angel to many on this earth. The world is a little darker without you. Thank you for everything, I wish I could have helped.
Rick Wojcik
April 5, 2018
Heartfelt condolences from all of us at Dusty Groove. Richard was one of the kindest, most supportive persons we've ever known in the music industry -- and his enthusiasm for artists and their creations has always been a tremendous inspiration to us. He will be missed greatly, and he's been a huge influence on us and many other musicians and singers.
Andy Stone
April 4, 2018
On behalf of The Trust for Public Land, I send my deepest condolences on the passing of Richard Zirinsky Jr. Richard and his family have been generous supporters for over 15 years. We are grateful for some wonderful events that Richard hosted in Sag Harbor on our behalf (with great music of course). Richard and the family's donations have made a big difference for our community playground creation and land conservation work in New York and the Bay Area. Perhaps most notably, Richard led the family's efforts to endow major improvement to a community garden in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. We remember Richard's visit to the garden, to dedicate a plaque to his father, and the warm connection between Richard and the community members.
Priscilla Savage
April 4, 2018
Shine brightly my dear friend & we'll find you someday....Love & hugs, Cilla
Priscilla Savage
April 4, 2018
Rich ,
We had some great times in New York City when I worked with you and your dad in the late 80's.
You loved to write down lyrics to music.
You enlightened me to many different types of music & I learned to appreciate & enjoy it.
I have fond memories of good times in your NY condo, and also fun times with you in Lawrence hanging out & going to Islander games.
You were always very giving and compassionate, especially towards those that needed it.
Your love and respect for animals was always something I admired.
We lost touch for many years, and I know whatever you have been through, you are in a better place & at peace now.
May the angels keep you safe and happy.
You were lifted up to heaven on my birthday!
Cynthia & Susan, may the love of friends & family provide comfort & healing to you both during this time.
With Love, Cilla
Tomo Nagasue
April 3, 2018
Richard was the most sincere, sweet and kind man that touched my heart. Although I hadn't had the opportunity to see him recently, I stayed connected through Cynthia. I am saddened but know he is at peace. Love to the whole family, especially Cynthia and Susan. Will pay my respects on Thursday. Love to you.
Alex
April 3, 2018
Richard, I will miss your text messages always when I needed them the most. You were a gentle soul, with a giving heart. You will be missed forever.
warren aplin
April 3, 2018
Richard my friend, I will miss our Friday interaction. I know how much you suffered and know you are in a better place. My condolences to the family and thank you for the donation options. I will miss you and love you
Michael Emilio
April 2, 2018
My deepest sympathies to the Zirinsky family and to all those whose hearts Richard touched. I was one of Richard's delivery drivers. He treated me with kindness, generosity and most of all dignity. Rest in peace my friend.
Jose Santos
April 2, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Richard, my friend your kindness and generousity were ones of many qualitilies in your big heart . My condolences to the family
Jörgen Asklin
April 2, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I will remember Richard for his kindness, generousity and for sharing his deep interest and knowledge in music.
Kathleen Aplin
April 2, 2018
Richard, you were a sweet man and will be missed, I know that you will find peace and company where you have gone. Sending love to you and condolences to friends and family you have left behind to mourn your passing. You will live on in our hearts. KA
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Funeral service
10:30 a.m.
Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
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Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel1076 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10028
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