Alan A. "Red" Zisk

GARDNER – Alan A. “Red” Zisk, 80, of Gardner, died peacefully Tuesday morning, April 23rd at the home of his son, with his family at his side.

He was born in Gardner on September 26, 1932, son of the late Anthony and Kamilla (Petrosky) Zisk and was a lifelong resident of Gardner.

Alan worked for the Massachusetts Public Works Department for 27 years as a tree climber and heavy equipment operator until his retirement in 1995.  During the Korean War, Alan proudly served his country as a Radio Communications Operator as a member of the United States Army.  He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, UN Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Alan was a Homing pigeon champion racer for over 60 years and belonged to several racing organizations throughout New England.  A huge hunting and fishing enthusiast, Alan particularly enjoyed the company of his friends, Pete Douckas, Smitty and Dick, and his close friend and neighbor, Michael Straus.  Alan enjoyed trout river fishing with his son, Dan-Michael.  He was also an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.  His memberships included Ovila Case #905 VFW and Otter River Sportsmans Club.  Alan was also devoted to his pot belly pig “The Priss”.

He leaves his sons, Dan-Michael J. Zisk and his companion, Barbara J. “BJ” Higgins, who was his devoted caregiver, and her daughter Molly and Alan A. Zisk Jr and his wife Celeste of Baldwinville; four grandchildren, Harmony Zisk, Zachary Zisk, Alan Zisk and Hayley Zisk, and two great grandchildren, Alexis Luhtjarv and Ashton Luhtjarv.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 26, 2013 at 12 Noon in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.  The Rev. Francis A. Roberge will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

A calling hour will be held Friday from 11 AM to Noon preceding the funeral service.

Memorial donations may be made to Gardner Animal Shelter, 899 West Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440 or to Gardner VNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA. 01440.

www.stone-ladeau.com

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