Clifford Zingraf

Clifford Ira Zingraf

June 26, 1918 - September 28, 2010

Clifford Ira Zingraf was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 26, 1918. He died on September 28, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Cliff was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen. His life is celebrated by daughters Suzanne, Randi (Leo), and Vicki (John); grandchildren Don (Jean), David, Jennifer, Lance (Shannon), and Joseph; great-granddaughters Katherine and Addison; niece Deborah (Larry); dear friends June and Caro (Gordi); and many friends.

He had a zest for life that was expressed by his personal motto: Live Well. Love Much. Laugh Often.

He made each of his daughters feel like she was “Daddy’s Girl.” He could kiss a “boo boo” with a father’s special “kiss it and make it better magic.” He was able to help mend a daughter’s broken heart from 1,000 miles away with his laughter and a loving ear on the telephone.

His favorite foods included strawberry ice cream, lobster, and soup. His favorite drink was a Manhattan, “with a little cherry juice.”

He and Helen raised their three daughters in Bensenville, Illinois. They enjoyed retirement together in Wood Dale, Illinois and later in Venice, Florida. After Helen’s death, Cliff moved to Emerald Bay in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where he eagerly participated in many activities. He remarked that having so many activities available reminded him of the cruises he and Helen had enjoyed together. He also appreciated the proximity of Emerald Bay to the Four Corners Community Chapel, Congregational, United Church of Christ. He and his lady friend June often walked there on nice Sunday mornings.

His involvement in clubs and organizations began as early as his attendance at Lane Technical High School in Chicago, Illinois.

He served his country in the United States Army from July 24, 1942 to August 16, 1943.

In his professional career, he was Vice-President and later President of Chicago Square Z Electric, an electrical contracting company.

After retiring, he began walking for exercise. The problem, he said, was that he kept running into people who wanted to talk. A few of them joined him, forming Weber’s Waddlers. They moved their walks to the local cemetery. He said, “The only people we know there are dead and they don’t bother us.”

While living in Bensenville, he served on the Village Zoning Board of Appeals. Life in Bensenville also included active membership in Peace United Church of Christ, the Masonic Lodge, and Eastern Star. He

frequently chauffeured groups of girls around for whatever activity a daughter might happen to be doing that day.

While living in Venice, Florida, Cliff was an active member of Venice, United Church of Christ. He volunteered regularly as part of a two-person team to rescue injured birds for the Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary in Sarasota. As an active member of the Venice Power Squadron, he taught Safe Boating Classes and conducted Boat Inspections. He enjoyed art classes at Venice Isle. When the art teacher quit, Cliff successfully convinced the other students that they could teach each other.

Cliff had the flexibility to adjust his interests and hobbies to the time available and in later years, he adjusted his hobbies to match physical abilities that were slowed by age.

His lifetime of interests included gardening, walking, camping, fishing, boating, golfing, woodworking, oil painting, model railroad kit building and detailing, Internet surfing and e-mailing, and most recently, voracious reading. While in the emergency room during his final illness, he remarked to his daughter, “What a waste. I could be reading.”

Rest In Peace.

A Memorial Service will be held at Four Corners Chapel, 200 Angell Road, Cumberland RI. at 2:00 pm. on Tuesday October 5, 2010

The family suggest anyone wishing to make a charitable contribution in his memory will consider the American Heart Association, and the United States Olympic Fund, of which he has been a strong supporter for many years.

American Heart Association

Gift Processing Center

PO Box 78851

Phoenix, AZ. 85062-8851

United States Olympic Committee

Attn: Ginny Sams

Development Office

1 Olympic Plaza

Colorado Springs, CO. 80909

So the family can express thanks for your generosity please be sure to include his name and request an acknoledgement be sent to

Randi Terrien

227 Rowe Avenue

Pawtucket, RI. 02861