Gene Zarnick Sr.
Gene Gordon Zarnick Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, formerly of Butler, died peacefully Nov. 5, 2021, surrounded by his family. He moved to Surprise, Ariz., in September 2020 to enjoy warmth, sunshine and family.
Born Nov. 2, 1931, in Butler, he was the son of the late John P. Zarnick and Mabel (Duncan) Stutts.
Gene was a 1949 graduate of Butler High School.
After high school graduation, he married the love of his life, Helen Hrip, on June 19, 1949. They shared 63 years of marriage.
Gene retired from Armco in 1990 after 39 years of service, as maintenance supervisor of the continuous caster department.
He served on many committees and volunteered his time generously over the years. He was a Cub Scout leader, member of the Greek Catholic Union, past president and member of St. John Byzantine Catholic Church Men's Club, past president of Armco Veteran's Club, past president of Lyndora VFD, was a member of South Butler VFD, past president of McQuistion PTA and Lyndora PTA, and member of Monday Morning Maintenance Volunteers of Preston Park.
Gene was a politically active, lifelong member of the Democratic Party. He was proud to have hosted former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at his family home in 1976, while she was campaigning in Butler.
The Zarnicks attended President Carter's 1977 inauguration, and the 1980 Valentine's Day Ball, as invited guests. The Carters remained in contact with Gene and Helen throughout the years.
An avid golfer, Gene enjoyed golf outings with his brothers, and friends in various leagues. He enjoyed Thursday night poker with his buddies. He loved traveling throughout the United States and visiting Italy. He most recently enjoyed off-road adventures in Arizona, and driving his golf cart throughout Surprise.
He is survived by his children, David (Judy) Zarnick of Butler, Lori (Dean) Blank of Surprise, Ariz., John Zarnick of Butler, Kevin Zarnick of Surprise, Ariz., Beth (Bo) Duffy of Surprise, Ariz., and Melissa (Rob) Lowman of Mount Pleasant, Pa.; his daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Zarnick of Erie; his brother, Thomas Zarnick; and his sister, Nancy Karch.
Gene was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Heather, Natalie, Janelle, Hillary, Gene III, Barbara, David, Danielle, Kevin, Alex, Joshua, Justin and Emilee; and 10 great-grandchildren, Jaelyn, Violet, Olive, Sydney, Charlotte, Gordon, Clara, Maryn, Adela and Eleanor.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, who passed away on March 4, 2012; his son, Gene Zarnick II, who passed away Jan. 15, 2013; his brothers, Howard, Richard, Daniel, Robert and Jack; and his sisters, Marie and Linda.
ZARNICK — As per his wishes, a private memorial service for Gene Gordon Zarnick Sr., who died Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, will be held by his children, at which time he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Helen.
Local arrangements were handled by GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, Butler.
Memorial donations in Gene's memory can be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Friends of Preston Park Foundation.
For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
