Daniel C. Zinz

Daniel C. Zinz, 36, passed away November 13, 2015, at his home in Deerfield, surrounded by loving family and friends after three years courageously battling cancer. He was born November 7, 1979, in Alliance, Ohio, to Donald A. Zinz and Lucille (Biedrzycki) Zinz. A 1998 graduate of Southeast High School, Dan received his Bachelor's Degree (2003) and Master's Degree (2007) in Geology from the University of Akron, which lead Dan to become a Certified Professional Geologist. Dan, a Senior Project Manager, was employed by Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. in the Akron, Ohio office. He was responsible for the completion, management, and oversight of various environmental projects. Through his career, Dan's project work has taken him across the nation to hundreds of client sites, and into the Gulf of Mexico as part of a major offshore oil spill emergency response team. More recently, Dan included client relations and development to his list of responsibilities. Dan joined the Germany Valley Karst Survey in 2003, initially to complete his research for a Master Degree in geology. In the process of completing his research he helped grow Hellhole Cave from the 75th longest cave in the country at 8.5 miles into the 8th longest cave in the country at over 40 miles. He was also integral to the survey of Schoolhouse Cave, as well as the discovery and exploration of Mt. Kisamore Cave. In addition to the caves he helped survey, he also was directly involved in the scientific study of the geology and stratigraphy of Ordovician limestone's in West Virginia. Dan was an amazing coach for three of his daughter's softball teams in Suffield where they lived for fifteen years. He taught them so much more than just how to play the game. He had great skill in mechanics and serviced small engines for 20 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting. Dan's easy going personality and smile touched the lives of many. His family meant the world to him and he was so proud of his daughters and young son. He was a caring, devoted husband and a wonderful father. To know Danny was to love him, for his integrity, his work ethic, and his strength. The knowledge and morals passed on to his children will forever be within their hearts. He will be deeply missed. Dan is survived by his wife, Bessie (Kisamore) and five adoring children named Madeleine, Olivia, Daisy, Isla and Tucker; parents, Donald and Lucille Zinz of Deerfield, OH; brother, Jacob (Jennifer) Zinz, Whitehouse, OH; Uncle Ronald Zinz, Salem, OH; grandparents Eugene and Florence Biedrzycki of Glenshaw, PA; aunts, Carol Biedrzycki of Austin, TX; Nancy (Mark) Medina of Pittsburgh, PA; uncles, Mike (Brenda) Biedrzycki of Corry, PA; Jim (Linda) Biedrzycki of Valencia, PA; Dr. Mark Biedrzycki (Paul Croushore) of Pittsburgh, PA; the Kisamore's; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. He was proceeded in death by his uncle, William R. Zinz Jr.; aunt, Bruna Zinz; and cousin, Richard W. Zinz. A Memorial Service will be held at Suffield United Church of Christ on St. Rt.43 at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 22, 2015, with Pastor Gary Friend officiating. Friends may call from 2 - 5 p.m. and there will be a meal following the service at the church. Memorial contributions to his family may be made at any Key Bank to the Dan Zinz Benevolent Account. Special thanks to Uncle Mark, Robinson Hospice, and to Shelly Tessean for their guidance and love. Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601.