G. Richard Zimmerman's Obituary
G. Richard (Dick) Zimmerman, 94, passed away at home on November 30, 2024, surrounded by his family.
He was born in McKeesport, PA, on October 11, 1930, and graduated from Duquesne High School in 1948. He enrolled at Allegheny College, where he studied organ and sang with the Allegheny Singers. He then transferred to Westminster College, where he pursued a Bachelor of Music Education degree and graduated in 1952. He subsequently completed two Master's Degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University
He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for three years including in Korea. Upon his return home, he taught for the Duquesne Public Schools for two years. The Second Presbyterian Church of Washington (now the Church of the Covenant) persuaded him to come and serve as the Organist and Choirmaster, which he did for the following 38 years. During this time, he formed the first handbell choir in Washington and was a member of both the American Guild of Organists and the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. He was Chair of the Area II Guild, comprising New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. In the 1960s, he formed the Washington Community Choir and conducted it for many years.
While in the U.S. Army, he petitioned the John J. Pershing Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in nearby Kyoto, Japan. After settling in Washington, he transferred his membership to Sunset Lodge 623 and was Master of the same in 1968. He served the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite as Choir Director and Organist for approximately 40 years and served the Syria Temple Shrine for many years. Simultaneously, he was the Grand Organist of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania for eight years and was named Organist Emeritus. He received a 33rd honorary degree from the Masons in 1980.
After serving the Church of the Covenant and substituting for other local churches, he became the Minister of Music at First United Methodist Church in Washington serving that congregation for decades.
Mr. Zimmerman also served as a Trinity Area School Board Member in the 1980s and later as a Washington County Jury Commissioner.
In 1964, he married Judith, and together they began a marriage that lasted 60 years.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Wunderlich Zimmerman, along with their three children, Heidi (Thomas) Gasmire, G. Richard (Beth Jenkins) Zimmerman II and Heather (Darren) Wynnik; five grandchildren, Heather (Phil) Eaves, Gretchen (Brendan) Furman, Ketlie (Ashton) Gray, Alex and Nate Zimmerman; and one great-grandson, Arthur Eaves.
Jefferson Memorial is handling plans for cremation and a private interment.
The family suggests Memorial Contributions can be made to the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh. Checks can be made out to: Hospitaler Fund and mailed to Hospitaler Fund; 3579 Masonic Way. Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
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