Daniel Zarnick Sr.
Daniel Michael Zarnick Sr., of Butler, died peacefully at Butler Memorial Hospital on Sunday, June 20, 2021, surrounded by his family.
Born June 23, 1923, in Butler, he was the son of John P. Zarnick and Mabel (Duncan) Stutts.
He was a June 1941 graduate of Butler High School and Butler Business College.
During the early 1930s, he was a member of the Zarnick Vocal Trio, and performed in the Butler area, and was featured on KDKA radio. He played keyboard and guitar, and was a former member of the local musician's union.
He retired from the Butler VA Medical Center as personnel director, following 37 years of service, including 10 years in the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was the first coordinator of the combined campaign, covering federal employees in Butler County for United Way and national health agencies.He served in the 3rd Army of General Patton in Europe during World War II, was awarded four battle stars, including for the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge, the 3S medal, as well as the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. Recalled in 1950 during the Korean conflict, he served in Japan, and was discharged from the Reserve in 1953.He was a former president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a member of the Elks Lodge 170, and a life member of the VFN Post 249 serving as adjuctant. He also served on the Honor Guard of VFW Post 249, and American Legion Post 778, and attended hundreds of veterans' funerals.He was a member of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, where he attended Mass daily, until recent years. He formerly served as lector, eucharistic minister and choir member.He was an avid bowler and golfer, and had been a member of the VA, Herman, and Senior golf leagues, and the VA and VFW bowling leagues.He revisited World War II sites at Normandy Beach and Luxembourg in 2014 with family members.He was married to Nelle Beth Fitzpatrick on June 26, 1947. They were married for 65 years, and she preceded him in death on Aug. 13, 2013.Surviving are his seven children, Kathryn Grossman (James) of Valrico, Fla., and their two daughters, Michele Grossman (Aaron) of San Francisco, Calif., and Jennifer Grossman (Elijah) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Daniel M. Zarnick Jr. (Pam Stoner) and their three children, Tricia Schaefer (Matthew) and their two children, Camden and Chloe, Kristin Wilson (Dustin) and their son, Devin Sherm, and Daniel Zarnick III (Courtney) and their son, Ziggy; Gary Zarnick (Cathy Cavalero) and their two sons, Jason Zarnick and his children, Kyra Kleeman and Ayden Zarnick, and Justin Zarnick and his son, Riley Zarnick; Maureen English (William) and their three sons, Ryan English (Shannon) and their two sons, Colten and Atticus Nathan English (Nicole), and their three children, Amelia, Elodie and Niall, and Jordan English (Megan) and their three sons, Logan, Gavin and Oliver; Theresa Osche (Barry) and their two daughters, Holly Badger (Jimmy) and their two children, Addison and Grayson, and Jill Tatangelo (Dan) and their two children, Jaxson and Haley; Constance Clark (Matthew) of Woodbridge, Va., and their four children, Wyatt, Hannah, Jonah and Gillian Clark; and Robert Zarnick (Rachelle Minutello) of Pittsburgh, and their two children, Alexis and Brady Zarnick.He is also survived by his two brothers, Gene Zarnick of Surprise, Ariz., and Thomas Zarnick of Concordia; and one sister, Nancy Karch of Butler.He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.ZARNICK — Friends of Daniel Michael Zarnick Sr., who died Sunday, June 20, 2021, will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 127 Franklin St., Butler. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church for the funeral Mass.Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery, Butler.Military honors will be provided by the American Legion/VFW Honor Guard.For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
