Richard H, ZIRKLE

Richard "Dick" H. Zirkle, 79, of Saegertown, passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Meadville Medical Center. Dick was born in Meadville, on May 24, 1942, a son of the late Dorman K. and Mary (Dougherty) Zirkle. On March 5, 1965 Dick married the love of his life, Patricia "Patty" Rowland; she survives. Dick had attended the former Littles Corners School until third grade and graduated from Saegertown High School in 1960. He attended Youngstown University before transferring to Edinboro College where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. Dick became employed at Conneautville High School where he taught math for one year prior to becoming a math teacher at Saegertown High School; he retired after 33 years in 1998. While teaching at Saegertown Dick was also a coach for the girls softball team, boys basketball and football teams. A member of Gold Wing Road Riders, Dick loved riding his motorcycle. Along with his wife, Patty, he road in 49 of the 50 U.S. states, excluding Hawaii. Whether deer hunting, small game hunting, cutting wood or growing his corn, Dick loved being outdoors. Dick enjoyed long rides with Patty in their convertible Porsche car, looking at scenery and especially the fall leaves. Sara's in Erie was his favorite lunch time spot before taking grandkids and great grandkids to play at the beaches at Presque Isle. Dick and Patty spent their winters enjoying the sunshine of Sebring, Fl. riding motorcycles, playing cards, shuffleboard and having great times with friends and family. He also frequented the Sebring race track, he had a love for fast cars and a need for speed. He had a great collection of die cast John Deere tractors as well as railroad lanterns and memorabilia. He also collected Cub Tractors. When indoors Dick enjoyed following NASCAR and the Cleveland Browns. A competitive player of Pegs and Jokers, Dick loved to teach anyone who would learn to play! Dick was a family man and loved watching his grandkids and great grandkids grow. He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew and loved him. In addition to his wife, Patty, of 56 years, Richard is survived by two children Michael R. Zirkle of Saegertown, Lisa Brockleburst (Jeffrey) of Meadville; four grandchildren Brittney Thomas (Jeremy), Marli McGowan (fiance' Dakota), Sully Zirkle, Wyatt Zirkle; three great grandchildren Mia Thomas, Elli Thomas and Maxen Thomas; a sister Doris Henderson (companion Ed Clement) of Sebring, FL; three brothers Kenneth Zirkle (Christine) of New Bern, NC, Marvin Zirkle (Joyce) of Brocton, NY, Charles Zirkle (Christine) of Albion; several nieces and nephews. ,In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by a brother in law Scotty Henderson. Private services will be held at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 330 BROAD ST., SAEGERTOWN, with Pastor Larry Miller officiating.

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