Raymond Zink, 88, World War II Veteran

He was born November 16, 1916 in Lorain, OH where he was raised. He had made his home in South Amherst for the past sixty years.

Raymond served in the US Army during World War II in the Pacific and Asiatic Theater where he received the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Ribbon. He served with the 177th Coast Artillery in areas such as Marshall Island (Kwajelein, Eniwetok) and Mariannas (Guam). He served his basic training at Fort Eustis, Virginia and Camp Pendleton, Virginia. His duty included Survey and Instrument Sergeant which included laying out "Long Tom", a 155 mm gun position, for Field Artillery and Coast Artillery. He was employed by Nordson in Amherst as a Inventory/Production for forty-five years, retiring in 1979. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Time Management at Fenn College now Cleveland State. He was a member of Nativity B.V.M Church in South Amherst where he served as Eucharustic Minister, acolyte, lector and belonged to the Holy Name Society. He was active with the Meals on Wheels until his death and enjoyed golfing, camping, gardening and bicycling.

Survivors include his sons Alan Zink of Strongsville, James Zink of Greensburg, PA, William Zink of Jeanneffe, PA, Daniel Zink of Pemberville, OH; his daughter Mary Bird of Fayeffe, OH, his brothers Charles Zuik of Lorain, Bernard Zuik of Sacramento, CA; his sister Theresa Paterson of Lorain, OH; eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-three years, Elizabeth Grace Zink (nee: Spaar) on May 18, 1984; his infant sons Joseph, John, Robert; his infant daughter Coleffa; his parents George and Helena Zink (nee: Thesing); his brother Edward Zink, his sisters Alberta Zink, Helen Fuhrman and Coleffa Zink.

Friends may call Saturday from 6 - 8 p.m.and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Closing prayer will be held on Monday at 9:30 am at the filneral home with filneral services to follow at Nativity B.V.M Catholic Church: 333 South Lake St., South Amherst at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Fr. Denis St. Marie, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain with the Lorain D.A.V. Louis Paul Proy Disables Eerican Veterans #20 performing honors.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Nativity B.V.M.Catholic Church 333 South Lake St., South Amherst OH or American Cancer Society 43099 North Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst OH 44001.