Dale L. Zarnick

Dale L. Zarnick, 89, retired US ARMY LIEUTENANT COLONEL, of Butler, PA died October 18, 2019 at Rose Crest Assisted Living at St. John Specialty Care in Mars.

Born in Butler December 3, 1929, he was the son of the late Wencel Paul and Elsie Ruth (Myers) Zarnick and the step-son of Frederick R. Moyer.

He graduated from Butler Senior High School in June, 1947 and the University of Pittsburgh in June, 1952, where upon he was commissioned a second Lieutenant of the UNITED STATES ARMY.

He was married September 18, 1951 for 48 years to Donna Marie (Litz) Zarnick until her death in 1999.

He was a member and usher of St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church in Center Township; Life member of the VFW post #249 and Butler ELKS Lodge #170; Member of the Military Officer Association of America (MOAA); American Association of Retired Persons (AARP); Butler County Symphony; Timberly Heights Poker Club and Timbers Couples Bridge Club.

Colonel Zarnick was a 25 year career veteran of the active US ARMY, retiring in 1977. He was a graduate of many military schools to include the COMMAND and GENERAL COLLEGE In Fort Leaven Worth, Kansas in 1968.

He was stationed at several US Army Posts in the United States to include Battalion Commander at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Overseas he served in the Republic of Korea, Germany, Nationalist Republic of China, Hawaii and 2 tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam to include the 1st Infantry Division.

During his career, Colonel Zarnick was awarded the National Defense Service Medal 1st OLC; Army Commendation Medal 2nd OLC; Joint Service Commendation Medal 1st OLC; Bronze Star 3rd OLC; Air Medal, Legion of Merit and several Republic of Vietnam Medals. In recognition of his Military Service, a granite paver has been placed in the Ring of Honor at the Diamond in Butler.

Upon Army retirement in 1977, he started an 18 year second career as a Real Estate Agent with Murray Real Estate and Northwood Real Estate and Better Homes and Gardens. He was co-recipient of the 1988 Realtor of the year award for outstanding achievements in the field of real estate. As an Associate Real Estate Broker he was manager of the Northwood Better Homes and Garden offices in Butler, Slippery Rock and Grove City until 1995.

Surviving is his companion, Patricia Collodi; his three sons and their spouses, Larry Dale and Monica Nelson Zarnick, of Butler, Douglas Michael Zarnick of FL. and Sean Frederick and Theresa Warmus Zarnick, of Butler; Two daughters, Deborah Lynn Lewis and her husband Regis M. Lewis of Butler and Jody Ann Swartz and her husband Paul Swartz of FL.

Seven grandchildren: Lindsey (Jim Direnzo) Zarnick, Julie, Krystal, Jacob, Abigale, Austin and Kimberley. A great-grandson, Kallum.

Numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Donna who passed away in 1999, he was preceded in death by his father who passed in 1968 and his 100 year old mother who passed

away in 2005, his sister, Colleen Collin who passed  in 2018, brother-in-law Ray Collins in 1998.

Friends will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 East Cunningham St. Butler, PA 16001 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm Monday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:00 am from St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 1660 North Main St. Ext., Butler, PA. Entombment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Butler.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church.

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