William Edward (Bill) Zinkel was a resident of the Children's Homes until 1966
WILLIAM EDWARD ZINKEL William Edward (Bill) Zinkel, loving father, husband and friend, died at peace with the Lord, surrounded by his family on Friday, November 21, 2014.
He was a pillar of his local community and tireless promoter of educational enrichment and character of development programs for young people.
Born on Christmas, 1947, in Newark, NJ, he was the son of Edward and Yulan (nee Fabian) Zinkel and grandson of 33rd degree Mason, William F. Zinkel, of Philadelphia, PA.
He is survived by Marcia, his beloved wife of 45 years, son David of Lancaster, Pa., son Martin of Philadelphia, Pa., and daughter Julianna Disbrow, of Narberth, Pa.; along with his four grandchildren.
He arrived at the Masonic Home for children, in Elizabethtown, Pa. at age 11 and graduated from Elizabethtown High School in 1966, leading their football team to the All-County Championships.
He attended West Chester University on a football scholarship, winning several conference championships, graduating with a degree in Education in 1970.
In 1972, he became a Representative for the Boy Scouts of America, Chester County Council, continuing to promote scouting as advisor and sponsor of Glenmoore Troop 79 for the rest of his life.
After many years in Correctional Education, he became Director of Education for SCI Graterford, where he helped hope, opportunity, and a second chance of life through many avenues including an innovative college and advanced degree program developed in partnership with Villanova University.
As a member of Mt. Pickering Lodge #446 of Free and Accepted Masons, he was Representative to the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation, creating the Elementary and Middle School Citizenship Award program, and founding the Preceptor chapter of the DeMolay Masonic youth program.
He was a steadfast member of Glenmoore United Methodist Church, where he found greatest comfort, friendship and community, helping to guide and support the church as a Trustee since 1974.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the Glenmoore United Methodist Church, 1920 Creek Rd., Glenmoore, Pa., with Pastor Ralph Cain officiating. Interment with a Masonic Service at the adjacent cemetery. Friends may call at 10 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Arrangements by The Labs Funeral Home, Inc. of Honey Brook. For additional information and online condolences, please visit www.thelabsfh.com
Published in The Mercury on Nov. 26, 2014