Alvin George Zinz, Sr, 70, of Lamberton Road, Franklin, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family at 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 9.

Born January 26, 1944 in Sewickley, Alvin was the son of the late George Edward and Freida Leora Johnson Zinz. He was married April 12, 1969 to the former Darlene Pearl Gegogeine, and she survives.

Alvin was a Vietnam Era Army Veteran who served in Korea as a radio operator. While in the U.S. Army, he received the Sharpshooter (Rifle M-1) and Basic MSLMAN Badge. He retired from Franklin Industries after working for 29 years as a crane operator. Alvin enjoyed hunting and the sport of archery, and had a United States Patent for an “arrow rest” for bows. He especially enjoyed spending endless hours with his family and friends. He was a lifetime and charter member of the Rainbow Bowman Archery Club, and was also a member of the Pennsylvania State Archery Association. Alvin enjoyed teaching archery to adults and children.

In addition to his wife, Alvin is survived by his daughter, Christina Marie Love of Franklin; his son, Alvin George Zinz, Jr. and his wife, Theresa, of Greenbrier, Arkansas; and his daughter, Cynthia Diane Rice and her husband, Brian, of Clarks Mills. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, Lisa Ann Love, of Conway, Arkansas, Samantha Jo Love and Brian David Love of Rouseville, Kellye Brittani Zinz of Greenbrier, Arkansas, and Brandon DeWayne Rice and Austin Robert Rice, both of Clarks Mills. He is additionally survived by his twin brother, Alan Edward Zinz of Cooperstown, his brother, Dennis Dean Zinz, and his wife, Kathy, of Franklin; his sister, Pamela Joy Ritts and her husband, Mike, of Venus; and many nieces and nephews.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, George and Leora; his sisters, Diane and Cynthia; his niece, Kalyn Kaster; and his nephew, Adam Zinz.

A Memorial Service for Alvin will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 13 at the Franklin Church of the Nazarene, with Rev. David Smith, pastor of the church, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the V.E.T. S. Honor Guard. The Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, will be handling arrangements.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Rainbow Bowman Archery Club — c/o Bob Blauser, 106 Holmarc Blvd, Franklin PA 16323; and/or the American Heart Association — PO Box 5120, Chicago IL 60693.

To send flowers, cards, on-line condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.