Walter C. Zwinge

1933 - 2018

Walter C. Zwinge, of Inverness, FL and formerly of Hoosick Falls, N.Y. passed away at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, FL on December 24, 2018. Walter was born on April 24, 1933 in Brooklyn, N.Y. and was the oldest son of Waldemar and Martha (Pederson) Zwinge and brother to: Phyllis Craib, Harold Zwinge, Felix Zwinge, Martha Senecal, Roy Zwinge, Sylvia Roulier and Hjarl Zwinge. He was the loving husband of Arlene H. (Hewitt) for 64 years, having just celebrated their anniversary on December 19th. Walter graduated from Berlin Central High School in 1952 where he was an avid sports player. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy and was a Veteran of the Korean War. Following his military service, Walter went to work for the Ford Motor Company as a Supervisor and Welder and retired from them in 1986. He then went to work in the excavation business rather than "enjoy his retirement". Walter was in many organizations throughout the years. In the town of Petersburg, N.Y. he was the Chief of Police for several years. He was also an EMT and Captain of the Petersburg Ambulance service, which he and his wife Arlene helped establish, and an advanced first aid instructor. Walter served on the Civic Council and the Taconic Valley planning board, was a youth director and a New York State certified pistol instructor for Renns County, N.Y. He was a member of the American Legion for over 50 years and Commander of Post #40 in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. for 3 years. Walter received the Ford Motor Company Citizen of the Year award in 1979 for his services to the community. He was a member of the Petersburg, N.Y. Baptist Church, where he was a trustee, choir director and soloist. After relocating to Florida, he became a member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Hernando, FL. Walter and his wife Arlene entertained the elderly residents at the Danforth Home and Health Center in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. where he played guitar and sang. His hobbies included sports, music, hunting, fishing, water skiing and riding motorcycles for a number of years. In addition to his loving wife Arlene, those left to mourn Walter's passing include his children: Craig Walter Zwinge, Lorraine C. Vincent, Cynthia Hildebrand, Mark Eric Zwinge; nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Bethel Baptist Church, 2289 N. McGee Drive, Hernando, FL 34442 and will be officiated by Pastor Nile Stine. An additional Celebration of Life Service will be held in Hoosick Falls, N.Y. at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Bethel Baptist Church, 2289 N. McGee Dr., Hernando, FL 34442. Cremation care provided by the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL. http://www.lastingmemories.com/walter-c-zwinge