Ret Worc Firefighter George M. Zinkus, Jr.

Retired Worcester Firefighter, George M. Zinkus, Jr., 76, of Holden, passed away surrounded by the ones he loved, Friday, June 6, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

George was born in Worcester on August 13, 1948, the son of Agnes V. (Kasabula) Zinkus and George M. Zinkus, Sr. He graduated from St Mary High School class of 1966, notably George was the manager of the St Mary’s famed basketball team of 1964, which won the State Championship and inducted into the Hall of Fame. After graduation, George entered the U.S, Marine Corps reserve, and earned “Marine of the Year” honors at basic training Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He then served six years and was honorably discharged in 1973. In 1972, George was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department, spending the majority of his career on Rescue 1, and the later part as Chief’s aide in Car 3, for Chief MacNamee and Chief Connelly. He retired in November 2012 after serving the citizens of Worcester for 41 years. When not protecting the city on duty, George worked at the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Stow for 25 years repairing SCBA equipment, and forging numerous wonderful friendships especially Lee Lively, and Bert Davis.

He married his “Princess” Susan Bouvier in 1978, enjoying the next 47 years of Love, laughter, devotion and vacations with family and friends. Very rarely did you see George without Sue by his side, carrying her cushions, especially while fighting his medical challenge. She never left his side.

George is survived by his wife “Susie” or “TT” as he referred to her; his two brothers, Peter Zinkus and his wife Patricia, Gregory Zinkus and his wife Wendy; in laws, Wayne Gentile and his wife Rosemarie, and Anne Berthiaume; four nieces, five nephews, who always looked forward to Uncle George’s undivided attention. Many great nieces and nephews, especially “the triplets” Erin, Colin, and Quinn whom he helped raise. In addition to his parents, brother in laws, Buddy and Bobby Bouvier also predeceased him.

George was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, The Worcester Fire Brigade Pipes and Drums as a tenor drummer. He enjoyed the many parades, functions, and events they played all over the country forging many lifelong good friends. George was also a member of the Worcester Fire Credit Union, International Association of Fire Fighters union local 1009, and Worcester Fire Relief Association. He was well known to his Fire and Band friends as a jokester, and the guy who would give everyone a comical nickname, some that have remained to this day. George and Susie were friends to all and had lifelong friends they traveled extensively with and spend many great times with.

The Zinkus family would like to extend they’re thanks to the staff of Dodge Park for the care, comfort, and compassion they gave to George during a difficult time. Although his stay was brief, he was loved and treated like family.

Family and friends are invited to gather Sunday, June 15th from 4 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Monday, June 16th from the funeral home leaving at 9:50 in procession to Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. where his celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 10:30 am. Burial with Marine Corps honors will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 100 North Parkway, Worcester, 01605 www.alz.org/donate or the Dodge Park Rest Home Activities Fund, 101 Randolph Road, 01606.