SCHENECTADY — Richard Donald Zink, of Schenectady, formerly of Rensselaerville, was a man who made family the most important thing and enjoyed tinkering, hunting, and fishing. He died on Sunday, April 1, 2018, with his family beside him. He was 78.

Mr. Zink was the son of the late Howard and Catherine (née Beagen) Zink. He grew up in Albany and Colonie, and attended the South Colonie School District, said his daughter, Valerie Morales. After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps for three years before he returned to the Capital Region, eventually moving to Rensselaerville.

Mr. Zink was employed for over 25 years by Albany County, and worked hard to maintain the roads, said his daughter. He was also president of the Civil Service Employees’ Association Local 801 for several years.

In 1978, he married Bertha Zink, who died before him. He enjoyed fishing with her as well as with the rest of his family. He also was an avid hunter.

“He had a love for fishing,” said Mrs. Morales. “He loved going up, fishing at Galway Lake with his wife.”

Mr. Zink was very proud of his military service and his country. His daughter described him as “very, very respectful of the flag and the servicemen.”

Later in his retirement, Mr. Zink developed an interest in electronics and mechanics, and researching and building items.

“He was a tinkerer,” said his daughter. “He liked to tinker on everything electronic or mechanical.”

Spending time with his children and grandchildren was most important to Mr. Zink. He also had a “joker” side.

“He had a good sense of humor,” said his daughter.

Mrs. Morales said that his family thank the staff at Community Hospice, particularly nurses Brittney Ten Eyck and Maggie Poole, and home health aide Tina Hayes. They also extend special thanks to Dr. Kristin Mack.

“Dr. Kristin Mack really honored my dad’s wishes,” said Mrs. Morales.

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Mr. Zink is survived by his children Daniel Zink; Elizabeth C. Smith and her husband, Steve Smith; Howard Zink and his wife, Jackie Zink; and Valerie Morales and her husband, Brian Morales; his stepchildren, Edward Welsch; Mabel Welsch; James “Tiger” Welsch; and Charles “Dusty” Welsh and his wife, Kim Welsch; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as his nieces and nephews.

His parents, Howard and Catherine (née Beagen) Zink, died before him; as did his wife, Bertha Zink; his sister Dorothy “Gish” Boettner; his brothers Howard “Buck” Zink and Francis “Skip” Zink; as well as his stepson, Harold Welsch.

Calling hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Zink-Welsch Family Cemetery in Rensselaerville. Condolences may be left at www.NewComerAlbany.com.

— H. Rose Schneider