Richard L. Zinser

Richard Louis Zinser, Sr., 79, of Danbury, died Sunday at Danbury Hospital. He was the husband of Barbara Vogel Zinser. Richard was born on May 13, 1932, which was a Friday the 13th. And in spite of the obvious implied ‘curse’ he always thought haunted him, he lived a rich and full life. He was born to Louis H. and Mary K. Zinser and was raised on land that was part of the family farm on the west side of Danbury.

He was an accomplished trumpeter during his years at Danbury High School, and performed big band tunes with an orchestra that he co-founded with his friends. He graduated from DHS in 1950 and continued his studies at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. At UConn, he and his lifelong friend Tom Carmody managed the food service and financial operations of their fraternity, and had “the only locked door in the house” at that time. He graduated in 1954 with a BBA.

He returned to Danbury after graduation and took a position as Loan Officer at Commercial Credit Corporation. His career at Commercial Credit spanned more than 25 years and included the positions of Branch Manager and Division Manager, Northeast U.S. During this period, he and a colleague were mistakenly identified as FBI agents while calling on a famous Hollywood actor at his Connecticut residence. He was treasurer for the campaign to elect U.S congressman Bill Ratchford in the 1970-80’s. He retired from Commercial Credit after being named Division Manager of the Year and moved on to the Savings Bank of Danbury as a Corporate Officer and Vice President. After 15 years at the Savings Bank, he ultimately retired to his farm in Stephentown, NY, where he concentrated on raising Christmas trees and many labor-intensive acres of turf grass.

While he had never viewed the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Richard embraced many of the qualities of protagonist George Bailey (played to perfection by James Stewart) during his life. He approved loans to folks who would not have qualified under standard criteria, and they rewarded his insight by paying off their debts in full. Richard had a unique understanding of people that resulted in many enduring friendships throughout his life. Besides his wife, survivors include his son, Richard L. Zinser, Jr. of Niskayuna, NY and a sister, Barbara Zinser Sherako, and her husband, Edward of Avon, CT. A sister-in-law, Mary Lou Zinser of Danbury, CT also survives. He was predeceased by a brother, John Zinser.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 21st, at 10:00 AM at St. James Church, Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury. Friends will be received on Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main Street, Danbury. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. James Church, 25 West Street, Danbury, CT, 06810.