GLOUCESTER: Peter Oscar Zumpfe, 62, passed away March 18, 2008 at his home in Gloucester. He was the beloved husband of Sandra (Zych) Zumpfe.
Born in Worcester on July 8, 1945, he was the son of the late Oscar J. and Margaret E. (McGeary) Zumpfe. Peter grew up in Webster, graduating from Bartlett High School in 1963. Peter earned an Associate’s Degree from Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester in 1967, a Bachelors Degree in Biology from Fitchburg State College in 1969, a Masters Degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Northeastern University in 1985. Peter served in the U.S. Army as a Senior Medical Lab Specialist from 1969 to 1973. Peter applied his expertise in the medical field working at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Most recently, Peter led the development of the Surgeon General’s Family History Project aimed at using computer programs and family history data to identify health risks.
Peter was a volunteer firefighter in his younger days and carried a lifelong love for firefighting. He was active in the Big Brother and Big Sister program mentoring Joseph Pickett of Douglasville PA and Mark Frazier of Gloucester. Peter was an enthusiastic soccer fan and enjoyed coaching for Fishermen Youth Soccer for more than two decades.
By far what struck most about Peter Zumpfe was his kind heart and giving spirit. Peter was a fast friend to all that he met and he loved meeting new people. One of his favorite things to do was to give his “tour” of Gloucester to someone unfamiliar to the area. Peter was a loving grandfather who really treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. Peter’s pride showed most when he talked about his daughter whom he cherished. Peter will be most missed by his wife whom he loved deeply and with whom he shared countless adventures. Peter Zumpfe was a wonderful man who was gone too soon and will be missed by many.
In addition to his wife of 40 years, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Mariah and Glenn Fenton of Danbury, CT, two granddaughters, Brenna and Shealyn Fenton, brothers, Paul, husband of Joan Zumpfe of Dudley, and Carl, husband of Nancy Zumpfe of Webster, a niece and nephew, Kristin and Christopher Zumpfe. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Victor and Agnes Zych formerly of Dudley.
A celebration of the life of Peter Zumpfe will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Gloucester Elk’s Lodge 100 Atlantic Rd., Gloucester, MA. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers the family requests that charitable donations be sent to Fishermen Youth Soccer c/o Helen Beal, 549 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.