Peter G. Zinkus, 81, of Worcester, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at UMass-Memorial Medical Center.

Family was the heart of Peter’s world. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia M. (Rice) Zinkus. He was a devoted father to Peter G. Zinkus Jr. and his wife Tanya, Kristen M. Szydlik and her husband Mark, and Michael S. Zinkus and his wife Christi.

Peter took immense pride in his role as “Poppa,” and his legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Gabrielle Blaine, Matthew Szydlik, Connor Zinkus, Cody Zinkus, Zoey Zinkus, Nadine Lucia, and Brenden Lucia. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Theodore Blaine. He leaves his brother, Gregory Zinkus and wife Wendy; his sister-in-law, Susan Zinkus; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Peter was predeceased by his parents, George M. and Agnes V. (Kasabula) Zinkus, and his brother, George M. Zinkus, Jr.

He enlisted in 1964 and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserves, including active duty in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. During his time on the USS Diamond Head ammunition ship, he toured through the Panama Canal, Hawaii and the Philippines.

A lifelong resident of Worcester, Peter graduated from St. Mary’s High School and Worcester Junior College before earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Worcester State College. Peter’s professional career spanned many years in the banking industry as a loan and mortgage officer, followed by nearly 20 years of service as a property appraiser for the City of Worcester until his retirement in 2009.

Peter was a man of many interests, with many caring friends who were like family. He was a member of the Polish American Veterans and he proudly shared his Lithuanian and Polish heritage. He was an avid reader with a deep interest in World War II history. He served his community as treasurer of the Joe Schwartz Little League and had a passion for collecting Worcester memorabilia.

Some of Peter’s happiest moments were spent at his summer home in South Dennis on Cape Cod. Whether he was trout fishing, exploring Nantucket Sound, sampling new food or traveling the world with Pat—from the Caribbean to Europe—he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved, including loyal dogs Lily, Fiona and Ivy. He was a constant fixture in the stands and audience of his children’s and grandchildren’s many sporting events, plays and concerts, always there to proudly cheer them on.

Calling hours are Thursday, February 12, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. There will be a funeral service at the Athy funeral home on Friday, February 13, at 11 a.m. followed by burial with military honors at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial donations be made to Veterans, Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.