Richard R Zink

Richard R Zink, died peacefully on July 6th 2013, after a long illness. Son of Richard Rudolf Zink and Dorothy Francis Little, Richard was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 28, 1940. He attended Cheltenham High School, Earlham College, Temple University and, in 1972, he received his Masters degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College.

Richard was a dynamic person with many interests. He won numerous prizes in athletic competitions in Track and Field and Cross Country. He was a passionate cave explorer, mountain climber and diver.

Richard had a vast library (and he read all the books) with a special interest in Eastern Religions, particularly Buddhism, and he was an expert on World War II and the history of Europe. He loved films, and he created an extensive collection of DVD's. His eclectic taste in music allowed his friends to enjoy selections from over 500 music CDs.

Perhaps his greatest passion was his commitment to social justice and peace.

As an active member of the peace movement and the Committee for Non-Violent Action, Richard devoted his considerable talents to furthering the causes of fairness, social equality and the protection of children. For over 30 years, he spent his time and energy working in the field of child protection and child abuse prevention. During his time as a supervisor at the Department of Human Services in Philadelphia, he was an excellent trainer and coach/mentor for many social workers. He worked at DHS for more years than most people survive in that job due to his dedication to supporting the rights of children.

Richard was a very bright, talented critical thinker with a wonderful, playful sense of humor who experienced life deeply.

He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Laeuchli of Basel Switzerland, his niece Julia Jean-Francois of Staten Island, New York and his nephew Alexander Rothchild of Mansfield Mass.