Donald Zinner, longtime resident of Islamorada and a well-known consultant to healthcare executives and organizations, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 30, at the age of 67.
Born on January 16, 1956, in Miami, to Eve and Doran Zinner, Donald was the husband of Nancy Buldas-Zinner and father of Danielle, Michelle and Rachel (Husband William Reames). He was the brother of Michael Zinner, M.D., of Miami and Karen Zinner of Salt Lake City. He was a beloved uncle to Darren Zinner of Boston and Dan Zinner of London. He also was loved by his mother-in-law Dell Buldas. He was predeceased by his mother and father.
Donald was a dedicated public servant and served as a performance improvement counselor for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. He also worked as the National Safety Officer and the past Assistant National Commodore (ANACO) for the Coast Guard Response, Emergency Command, International Affairs and Prevention Directorates. He also served on the University of Miami Presidents Council, the Board of Directors of Fishermen’s Community Hospital, the board of the Michigan Association of Health Plans, the Detroit Area Health Council, Oakland County (Michigan) Abused Children’s Society, the Florida Keys Elks of Tavernier and the Jewish Community Center in Tavernier.
Donald graduated from the University of Miami with his Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Business Administration with a certificate in Hospital Administration. In recent years, he received his PhD from Manchester Business School.
Donald met his wife Nancy, while attending ballroom dance lessons at Arthur Murray which was a hobby that they enjoyed throughout their marriage. They were married in 1987 and have been married 35 years.
Donald was a very loving father, husband, and brother. His children were his pride and joy and he enjoyed helping them to succeed. He found much pleasure in spoiling all his daughters and was known as being a “Disney Dad”. He loved spending time with his older brother and sister, Mike and Karen, and loved his nephews and son-in-law.
Donald loved traveling with his family and experiencing new cultures and exploring new cities and countries. He enjoyed Flying, Scuba diving, musical theatre and servicing his country with the Coast Guard.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 5. at 1 PM, at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo, 5900 SW 77h Ave, Miami, FL 33143, in South Miami.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to raise critical funds for cancer research, a cause that was near and dear to Donald’s heart: Bounce Back from Cancer™– Michael Zinner (onecause.com).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RiversideGordonMemorialChapels.com for the Zinner family.
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