Obituary for Richard Zinn
Richard Zinn passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at the age of 82. He was more remarkable than what meets the eye. Given his lifetime of beating the odds against harrowing personal circumstances and health challenges, those who knew him well whispered among themselves that he must have superhero powers. He lived an amazing life.
One for the storybooks. It started as a young boy in Obryte, Poland when he was tossed on a boat with his mother to escape the Nazis. He would not see his father for years to come. During his youth in New Jersey, he learned to work hard, and as a young immigrant, he fought his way to success. He enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam Era, rose in ranks, gained engineering skills, and made business connections in industrial manufacturing. He founded and owned Excalibur Bagel & Bakery Equipment Co., one of the few bagel and bakery equipment manufacturing companies in the US. Despite working every day, he had many health challenges, which he overcame to the surprise of many. Again, it is the stuff of folklore. In addition, he was a very proud to be a longtime Mason of Euclid Lodge #136 in Hasbrouck Heights NJ and served as it’s Worshipful Master in 1970.
While wild game hunting in a country in Africa, he was the unintended victim of a landmine intended for the assassination of the country’s president. He not only survived, but helped save the life of his guide. His resilience continued over the years, surviving multiple heart surgeries and COVID. He adored his loving wife and business partner of 28 years, Shelley S. Kuo. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother Erich Zinn.
One for the storybooks. It started as a young boy in Obryte, Poland when he was tossed on a boat with his mother to escape the Nazis. He would not see his father for years to come. During his youth in New Jersey, he learned to work hard, and as a young immigrant, he fought his way to success. He enlisted in the US Army during the Vietnam Era, rose in ranks, gained engineering skills, and made business connections in industrial manufacturing. He founded and owned Excalibur Bagel & Bakery Equipment Co., one of the few bagel and bakery equipment manufacturing companies in the US. Despite working every day, he had many health challenges, which he overcame to the surprise of many. Again, it is the stuff of folklore. In addition, he was a very proud to be a longtime Mason of Euclid Lodge #136 in Hasbrouck Heights NJ and served as it’s Worshipful Master in 1970.
While wild game hunting in a country in Africa, he was the unintended victim of a landmine intended for the assassination of the country’s president. He not only survived, but helped save the life of his guide. His resilience continued over the years, surviving multiple heart surgeries and COVID. He adored his loving wife and business partner of 28 years, Shelley S. Kuo. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother Erich Zinn.