Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Columbia University Harvard University University of California| Berkeley

FUNERAL HOME

McAvoy O'Hara

4545 Geary Blvd.

San Francisco, California

PAUL ZINNER Obituary

Paul E. Zinner, 90, noted academic, world lecturer, author and consultant, died March 17 in San Francisco of congestive heart failure, complicated by Lewy Body dementia. He was professor emeritus of political science at the University of California, Davis, specializing in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe until his retirement in 1991. At the University of California, he had been elected to the highest service position for faculty within the statewide Academic Senate, He was also visiting professor at the National War College in Washington, DC, and the Free University in Berlin, Germany, and had begun his teaching career at Columbia University. A long-time consultant to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (managed by the University of California for the U.S. Government until 2008), he examined the European political dimensions of the use of nuclear reactors to generate energy and its implications for foreign relations and international security, including nuclear nonproliferation. In 1969-1970, he chaired a special University of California committee tasked to investigate the relationship between the University and the affiliated national laboratories. The resulting "Zinner Report" was considered masterful, allowing all parties to effectively continue this relationship for well over three decades, and it provided basic principles that still guide the nuclear laboratories today. During the Cold War period, he was often called upon by the media to comment on unfolding political events, and from 1963 to 1977 he reported on the news from the Soviet Union for the KQED weekly television program, World Press. Born in Kosice, Czechoslovakia, he arrived in New York City in 1940 to attend preparatory school. but with no knowledge of English. He subsequently chose to remain in the United States and enrolled in Tufts College, from which he graduated in 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and, being fluent in several languages, was posted to the Office of Strategic Studies in Washington, DC, as a research analyst on Central Europe. After six years as an analyst for the Department of State, he attended Harvard University. receiving an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science, after which he began his long academic career. His first marriage to the late Myra Stone Zinner ended in divorce. Survivors include his wife, Joan Cassens Lang Zinner of San Francisco and four children from his first marriage: Judith Zinner. Victoria Rochester and William Zinner all of Sacramento. and John Zinner of Washington State. He had two grandchildren, Elizabeth Shelton and George Zinner, both of Sacramento, and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 21, at 11:00 am, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 1111 Gough Street in San Francisco. He will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. McAvoy O'Hara Co. 415-668-0077

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 7 to Apr. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for PAUL ZINNER

Sponsored by Joan Zinner.

29 Entries

Michael Crutcher, Colonel, US Army Retired; UCD, BA 1967, MA 1968

January 7, 2025

I was a student of Dr. Zinner in 1967-68 at UC Davis; he was an absolutely superb professor. In the Spring of 1968, I was in class of his focusing on Communist governments at the time of the "Prague Spring." Most students adopted the position that the Soviets were going to let the Czechs go their own way, but both Dr. Zinner and I warned that the Soviets were merely biding their time to find a good time to act. The other students were insistent that the Soviets were "just like us." I would have loved to see their faces that summer when the Soviets led a Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia. Again, Dr. Zinner was a superb professor, imparting knowledge and stimulating curiosity and inquiry about the world's modes of government. The best of the best of professors.

Vickie Zinner

June 28, 2022

Thank you Mr. Brislain for remembrance of my father and your kind comment. Well wishes.

gregory brislain

June 2, 2022

Thank you , Professor Zinner , for teaching me critical analysis in the context of seemingly chaotic events. You were a superb instructor who , every once in a while would share a life experience to add context and gravitas. I am 75 , yet will always remember your course in 1968. Peace.

Elizabeth Shelton

October 15, 2014

Dear Grandpa, I love and miss you so much. I wish you were still here to see all of your family who love you so much. I will always keep you in my heart and the wonderful memories I have of you. You were a brilliant and wonderful Grandfather. Love Always and Forever Your Granddaughter, Elizabeth (Lisa)

Rick Jones

March 9, 2014

Dr.Zinner was my professor at UC Davis in 1973 and 1974. I was an undergraduate student and studies Soviet foreign policy and International Relations under him. I appreciated his vast knowledge of Central and Eastern Europe. I later became an international banker and lived in Prague and Moscow.

George Shaw

December 23, 2013

My indebtedness to Professor Paul Earnest Zinner is great and can have no recompense other than my own contribution to our common aspirations for Western Civilization and for academic accuracy. He guided me through a 426-page thesis on perceptions and misperceptions of Western and Soviet policymakers during the formative years of the Cold War and the period known as détente. I never left his counsel without feeling inspired and re-energized. That made a very big difference. And, now, to continue.

April 21, 2013

My Dad: Never forgetting, but always remembering, missing and loving who you were. In deepest sadness with all my heart. Vickie

March 24, 2013

Dear Padre,
Saturday---April 21st, 2012, will go down in our family history as one of the most important dates we will ever have. On that date which was the weekly Sabbath, five of us rode together to San Francisco to attend a memorial service for you. Pastor LeBlanc told me it would be all right for me to go. I was asked to write a brief eulogy which I would read in braille.
There are three songs, all of which speak about fathers. Two of them are popular, one of them is an aria for soprano which translates as Oh My Beloved Daddy. We remember Padre for who and what he was and is, a beloved Daddy.
Yes, Padre, we do remember you as a beloved Daddy. The first anniversary of your passing is gone, but the memories we have will never be gone.
Your daughter,
Judy

March 17, 2013

Dad,
Even though it has been 1 year since you passed away, not a day goes by that you're not in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. We remember the things you said and did and, above all, how much you loved all of us. We know you are in a better place, watching over us still, and doing the good Lord's work. Rest assured that little Tristan (your newest great grandson) will be told all about you and all that you have done. We all love you and we always will with all our hearts. Until the day when we are reunited again, all our love always.
Your son,
Bill and family

March 16, 2013

Well my Dad, year after year, decade after decade, I would wish you bon anniversare for your arrival to U.S. soil on this day; now I wish you bon anniversare of your departure of this earth on this day - 72 years later. It has been 1 year now - I love you.

January 16, 2013

My Dad:

Today is a special day as this is the day you were born. For 90+ years, how blessed are those whose life you touched in your unique and special way. You will remain in our hearts forever.

Much love - Vickie

Lee Bogdanoff

September 20, 2012

I read of Professor Zinner's death tonight in a UC Davis publication. I took classes from PZ in 1980-82 while an undergraduate. PZ was a masterful lecturer, one of the finest I have ever witnessed. He was warm and giving outside of the classroom, reading my work in other classes and offering guidance and wisdom. He was known throughout UC Davis as a gifted lecturer. He also was insightful. He knew, for example, that the Soviet Union would not invade Poland in the early 1980's, even though the consensus among Soviet experts was quite to the contrary.

One interesting tidbit. One day in our Soviet studies class an individual who appeared to be quite odd raised his hand. This individual clearly was crashing the class and wanted to make done sort of statement. This was a large lecture hall filled to the brim. The individual proceeded to tell us that the Soviet Union would collapse in the next decade due to economic and moral bankruptcy. Now this was 1981or so. I recall PZ listened to his statement and then said something like, "You are entitled to your opinion, eccentric as it may be." Of course, this person who seemed quite nutty at the time was right. Anyway, PZ was right more than he was wrong and had a large impact on my life.

Heinrich, Gabi & Alexander Buch

August 19, 2012

Dear Paul,
we miss you, your blue eyes, your charming wit and brilliant arguments, your clear views in times of change and decision, and your caring sensitivity for the bright stars in your love, Joan, your children, and their families. We recall having had on your behalf a letter exchange with the brother of the Pope for your music loving daughter.
But more than the loss we feel, weighs the growing serenity, indeed joy and infinite pleasure to have met you and shared with you so many precious happy moments, which are the elements of essence in our lives. We want to be grateful for having had the privilege of your solid friendship for more than a quarter century and we want to pass on the light which you lit with your permanent interest in the future and in making it better than the past. In our minds you became a symbol for honesty, integrity and human generousity. This is an ethic heritage, and the gratefulness of your friends contributes to your honour.
Even more than that you continue to live in our hearts and minds. Those we truly love, never really die, and our Christian faith is firm in the promise and our belief that we may meet again.
Dear Paul, we continue loving you.

Vivian Abbott

July 24, 2012

July 24, 2012

Today there is a void that cannot be filled--our dear friend Paul is no longer with us. We deeply mourn his passing because he represented so much kindness and joy in this fragile precarious world. His profound love of his dear wife, Joan, his courage and determination, delightful sense of humor keen intelligence and loyalty to family and friends combined to make him a splendid human being. Our lives were made better owing to Paul.

His selflessness was extrordinary--he gave so much of himself to Joan and others, often putting aside his own welfare. I have known Joan for over forty years and together we have shared both joyous and troubled times. I knew Paul since the mid-seventies when he actively participated in scholarly efforts by the International Research & Exchanges Board, an organization dedicated to joint projects with Eastern Europe. Paul's incisive contributions to furthering contacts proved to be invaluable in the changes that occurred in that part of the world.

One of the most memorable evenings of my life took place with Joan and Paul in San Francisco when Paul invited us to the restaurant at the top of the Bank of America building. It was a perfect sunset as the restaurant slowly rotated. Paul's charm and the superb dinner are sketched forever in my mind.

Much of Paul's success can be attributed to his enthusiastic spirit, marvelous hospitality and caring personality. His honesty and good cheer could alleviate any anxiety.

That same caring loving personality was so evident when Paul was with Joan. He always spoke of her with a deep and abiding love and admiration that would shine through when he expressed his all encompassing affection and pride. His loyalty to family and friends was also remarkable!

I also shared some moments in Hungary where Paul never failed to dazzle with his command of so many languages. His contributions to the body of knowledge that brought down the Berlin Wall will be appreciated by those who knew him.

Paul was a passionate man with a joyous and generous soul. I am so privileged to have known him and to have his wife Joan as my dearest friend inthe world. His bravery, thoughtfulness and sweet spirit will continue to sustain her as she so lovingly sustained him throughout their years together and to the end. We will miss you,Paul.

Vivian Abbott & family

Wolfgang & Gerlinde Runge

July 16, 2012

We miss you Paul.
Our love and prayers are with you both, dear Joan.
We so much enjoyed your wonderful company whenever you came to Bonn. Exchanging views with Paul on international affairs was a stimulating experience.
Difficult to say what we admired more: Pauls brilliant academic achievements, his wise assessment, his refined sense of humour or his special gift to make friends. We felt he was deeply rooted in the best intellectual traditions on both sides of the Atlantic. Scholars like him have become rare in today´s world.
May he rest in peace. We will always honour his memory.
And we will be happy to keep in touch with you, dear Joan.

Susan Ernst

June 30, 2012

I hope I am not intruding, but I just wanted to add that I took many classes from Dr. Zinner in the early 70's at UC Davis, and he was truly the greatest and most memorable professor I have ever had. I am now almost 60 years old, and I have thought of him and his impact on my thinking almost every day since I was 19! Profound impact, and I'm sure I'm not the only student to say that! I am sorry that he has passed, but I will always admire and respect him, as I'm sure many others will, too.

Alice Blannett

May 14, 2012

To My Cousin, Joan. We will always be grateful that you brought this wonderful brilliant and kind man into our lives. Our only regret is that we did not have nearly enough time in his presence as he came later in life to us. Know that your relationship with each other in good and in difficult times is one to admire. We love you. Alice and Jack

Renate von Kries

May 14, 2012

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my lif: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.(Psalm 23,6)
the contents is also transcendental and the language symbolic concerning us all.
We first met Paul at international conferences in which he excelled with sharp analysis as well as wit. We became friends, true friends, who felt closeness even over long distance. We are grateful für having met him and his dear wife Joan.
Hansjürgen and Renate von Kries

April 23, 2012

Dad - For you, in a frame at your beautiful memorial your loving wife Joan made happen.

My Dad

A Bright Shining Star

I can never say enough about my Dad.

I can never express how much I loved my Dad or how much my Dad meant to me.

What I can say about my Dad is:

My Dad had a caring soul.

My Dad had a loving heart.

My Dad was a selfless man.

My Dad was a generous man.

My Dad was an intelligent man.

My Dad was a wise man.

My Dad was a true gentleman.

My Dad was an all-around nice guy.

My Dad was simply an amazing person.

What I can also say is:

I am proud my Dad was my Dad.

My Dad was the best Dad a daughter could hope for and of whom I had.

I am blessed to be the daughter of my Dad.

A bright shining star.

How lucky for me.

Victoria Elizabeth Zinner

April 22, 2012

Dad,
What can I really say? You were the best father anyone could have wished for and, best of all, you were my father. You have taught me so many many things, things that I remember and use to this day. You embraced my wife and made her another daughter, you loved and delighted in my kids (your grandchildren) and also in my grandchildren (your great grandchildren). You married a wonderful woman (Joan) who was and still is a wonderful grandmother and great grandmother and a second mother to me. You have given so much to so many and your achievements are amazing. I know I will miss you until the day I join you, but I also know that you will be, always and forever, right here in my heart still guiding me and teaching me. I miss you so much but I'm glad that you are "at peace" resting in the Lord. Rest assured that you will never be forgotten and that your new great grandson will know all about you. I love you always.
All my love,
Your son,
William George Zinner (Bill)

Nadya Zinner

April 21, 2012

I want to start off by saying thank you to Grandpa for being a part of my life for the past 15 years. He always treated me like I was his grandaughter and made me feel so special to be a part of the family along with everyone else. I knew from stories about how much he did in his life, but I didn't know the extent of it until now, which is something I am going to cherish and will be able to tell my unborn son when he asks about his great grandpa. I must say that he had such a BIG heart- always caring, generous, and kind to everyone around him. He loved his wife Joan (I love you very much too Joan!), children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren so much. I always looked at grandpa and Joan and would always say to myself,"That's the kind of love that I want to continue to have with my husband- to be there for one another always and forever." Grandpa has left a special mark in my heart, and the reason why is because he was the type of parent that I hope to be- one that will always be there for their children, and love them unconditionally. I will always love you grandpa, and hey- feel free to shine a light on us when you want to stop by- we will know it's you...

Much love to you Joan and everyone in the family. God Bless.

-Nadya-

George Zinner

April 21, 2012

My grandfather was a truly unique person. I am still in awe of his many intellectual abilities, talents, and achievements. He was a selfless, generous person who cared deeply for his family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed every visit I had with him. His conversations were always thoughtful and he had a true interest in what I had to say. It is one of my greatest hopes that I can be more like him. Grandpa has left his mark on this world. I will always love and miss him. All the best wishes to his wife Joan, my grandmother for all intents and purposes, who has given so much of herself over the past several years. Joan has also been a wonderful part of my family for many years.

May Grandpa rest in peace.
All my love,

George

Anne Morrison

April 20, 2012

It was such a pleasure to know Paul. He was such a great spirit. I am glad our paths crossed for a brief time. My heart goes out in sympathy to his family and most especially to Joan who loved him so deeply.

Dana Bottenhagen

April 18, 2012

It was truly a privilege to know Paul. He has left an indelible mark on the world through his actions and interactions with students, colleagues, and friends. He leaves behind a rich legacy. Joan and family, we hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Warmly, Dana, Cara & Tyler

Ralph and Chris Stiewe

April 14, 2012

Thank you, Paul! Thank you for a great journey through 56 years of our lives in friendship and fascinating intellectual unity. You were my Professor at Columbia University and from then on we never stopped discussing the political world situation. I am deeply grateful for everything you taught me and for the rest of my life I will hold you in highest esteem. It's been a pleasure to walk with you - first the two of us - later together with Joan and Chris. One of our greatest experiences was in 1989, when the four of us together were literally hammering down the Berlin Wall.
And you, dearest Joan, are with us all the time in our prayers and our thoughts. We will never forget what a wonderful and caring companion you have been to your beloved Paul, especially during the last months of his life. All our love and never ending friendship. Ralph and Chris

Marianne Scully

April 11, 2012

Dear Joan,
So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. Our prayers for you and your family at this difficult time.
Joe and Marianne (Simms) Scully

April 9, 2012

After reading this story I am even more convinced that this amazing man helped change the course of our worlds history for the better of all mankind! WOW WOW WOW! What a nice man, a family man who adored his wife,children and grandchildren. My condolences to all of you. Linda

Victoria Rochester

April 8, 2012

My Dad. I miss you so much. Love always and forever. Vickie

April 8, 2012

Dearest Joan ~ to you and to Paul's children, our sympathy at the loss of Paul, and our prayers that he is now at peace. How fortunate he was to have your love and devotion.
Diane and Dick Cummins and family

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results