Daniel “Big Z” Robert Zirkle, age 51, resident of 26407 Miller Station Road, Cambridge Springs, PA, died Saturday, October 22, 2011 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA following a short illness. Born in Meadville, PA, on April 4, 1960, Dan was a son of the late Robert Zirkle and Elaine Mott Zirkle. Dan lived all of his life in the Cambridge area.
Dan graduated from the Race Street School for Exceptional Children (Blue Barn) in Meadville in 1981 and then became an assembler for Vallonia Industries also in Meadville. He was one of the first participants in the Special Olympics which began in Crawford County in 1974. Over the course of the years Dan earned more than 100 medals and ribbons in track, swimming, and field events. He participated in many local, sectional, and State events and looked forward to traveling throughout our State competing. In 2008 while in Philadelphia, he was awarded a special trophy for his sportsmanship which led to his induction into the Special Olympic Hall of Fame. He also attended a Special Olympic summer camp held in Allentown, PA on several occasions.
Other events which Dan took very seriously were fishing and deer hunting with his hunting skills earning him the name “Dead Eye Dan”. In addition, he enjoyed leather working, shooting pool, mowing lawns, bowling, and dancing.
“Big Z” had an outgoing personality and made friends very easily. An unselfish person, he would go to great lengths to help anyone. Full of fun, he quickly made people around him feel at ease.
Dan had a special girl friend from Linesville – Kathy Wheeler, whom he cared for very much. Family members include two sisters – Delores Davis and her husband, Ron of Cambridge Springs; Donna Davis and her husband, Jim of Meadville; three brothers – Dave Zirkle of Tennessee; Dale Zirkle of Cambridge Springs; and Darryl Zirkle and his wife, Becky of Cambridge Springs. Also many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews survive.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to attend funeral services there on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Reverend James Callender, pastor of the First Church of God in Cambridge Springs, will officiate. Interment will be in Millers Station Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to ARC of Meadville, 222 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335 or to Crawford County Special Olympics, _P.O. Box 273, Meadville, PA.
He was lot of fun to talk to. He did so many things in his life time thathi family should be pround of him . he a good friend of mine and he was like a brother to me. he love life and he like show is love to everybody he knew. he with god now and god will take care of him. He never yet his limte stop him from doing anything. i love all you very munch and him always be in my hart always.
I have worked with danny at Vallonia. He was a very seet person I loved it when he made me laught. I also hung out with him at oaisa and seen him at the arc once in a while. he will be well missed. Danny made me smille when i was filling down. God bless his family and friends that love him. he will be well missed.
Love Krystal McCain
Danny,
Your warm smile and tender heart will be deeply missed. I miss our conversations about music and hunting. Now that your in Heaven, May God Bless and Keep You in His Tender Care.
Jim N Dusty Thompson
Words can never express how sad I am to hear of Danny’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, countless friends and fellow Special Olympians at this time.
Throughout my many years of coaching Special Olympics (Clarion County), I have had the pleasure to meet so many amazing athletes from other counties. Danny was one of those athletes who defined inspiration. His love of life and love for people shown in everything he did. Just being around Danny made your day better.
Although so many here on Earth are sad and grieving, I can only imagine the rejoicing taking place in Heaven. Rest in peace, Danny… we are all better people for having been blessed by your love.
Sorry to hear about your loss. He is in a better place. Sorry to miss the viewing. I didint hear about it to tuesday morning. We are really going to miss him he was very likeable, guy.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Dan at Vallonia back in the ’90’s. We have stayed in touch over the yers and I just spoke with him a few weeks ago. He was such a special man. He had a heart of gold and a will of steel. I have never met anyone who had such zest for living each day to the fullest. And no one could ever forget his laugh. My deepest and sincerest condolances to all of his family and friends (especially Miss Kathy W.) I will miss Dan, but I know he is in a place where he will not need that darned old wheelchair to race anymore….He has made it to the REAL SPECIAL Olympics..no blue ribbons anymore…now he gets THE CROWN!
sorry to here about danny,
He was a great person. he always put a smile on everyones face.
i remember this year i went to the seawolfes game i got to push him from the bus to his seat. for me that was special i will never forget him and my husband wont either. god be with you all in time of need just remember hes in our hearts and thoughts too. he always made people laugh. i will always remember him.
mr/mrs patrick madden
We will miss you Danny, we all loved you very much, see you on the other side. Jenny
The news of Danny’s passing has broken my heart. For the past several years I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Danny and become his friend. He was a compassionate and amazing person. I consider myself honored to have been able to be a part of his life. My prayers go out to his family. Heaven just became a little brighter now that Danny has his wings!
Uncle Danny, I will miss you so much. You are such a good person and you did everything you could for anyone. We are all so proud of you and the person that you are. Grandma needed you so she could be at better peace. Tell Grandma we love and miss her too. Hugs and kisses. Please watch over all of us and guide us everyday.
Love You,
Jason, Heather
Jenna, Dylan, Jessica, Austin and Jaylin