Carl Henry Zinn of Clermont, Fla., a cherished man known for his kind, loving, caring and humorous personality was surrounded by the love of his family when he lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease on January 30, 2025. He was 90 years old.
He was born in Long Hill on April 6, 1934, to Edith and Henry Zinn. He was the first son and the third of five children. He always said that growing up in Bridgeport playing stickball in the summer and sledding down the middle of the street in the winter is how every kid should grow up.
In his later years, he often spoke of these memories and growing up in Bridgeport. After graduating from Central High School with the class of 1952, he went to work at D’Addario Trucking and drove tractor trailers all over the eastern seaboard. He loved the open road but wanted to plant roots back in Connecticut.
He joined General Sheet Metal, Union 38 as an apprentice, and it did not take long to find his true calling. He was a master craftsman in building machinery and had an engineering mind to solve every problem that walked in the door. He became the go-to guy at the shop and every client would seek him out when they had a new project!
Carl was a Master Mason with Washington Lodge #19 since 1956, Dad Advisor with Monroe DeMolay in the late 60’s to early 70’s, and a Shriner Pyramid #9 Stratford since 1960. He was also a member of the Scottish Right and Lafayette Consistory.
Carl was active in giving back to and supporting his community through all of his organizations.In 1967, he married Kathleen Schuster of Stratford. They settled in Monroe and raised their three children, Carl III, Kathleen and Christine.
Carl was a family man. He would do anything to support his children, who all attended Masuk High School. That’s where Carl was often found on the sidelines either cheering his kids on or talking to the Athletic Director and coaches, always offering to help fix large equipment. He loved putting his welding skills to use working on the soccer goals, football goal posts or field hockey goals.
Carl retired at the age of 65 and found himself with idle time on his hands, so he went to work pumping gas at the local station in Monroe with one of his great friends. He loved seeing all the town members roll through every week and talking to each and every one of them. His strong personality and friendly demeanor had everyone looking forward to seeing Carl every day at the pumps.
Carl and Kathy enjoyed camping. They joined the Good Sam’s club in retirement and traveled all over the country camping in their fifth wheel with their two cats, Merlot and Camper.
They ventured from coast to coast, spending time with their grandchildren and driving wherever the truck would take them. From Alaska to Massachusetts to California, across to Texas and through the Midwest. Carl loved being in his truck and finding the next adventure.
Carl and Kathy finally decided to settle down in Clermont, Fla. They lived there together for 15 years.
He was predeceased by his older sisters, Edie Mae Zinn and Margery Stevens along with his younger brother Robert Zinn.
His survivors include: his wife Kathy Zinn of Winter Garden, Fla., his son Carl Zinn III of Atlanta, Ga. and twin daughters Kathleen Murphy of Billerica, Mass., and Christine Ripic of Ladera Ranch, Calif., a sister Emma Britland of Harrison, Ariz.
Carl was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Danielle Zinn, Carl Zinn IV, Amanda Ripic, Natalie Ripic, Ryan Ripic, Sean Murphy Erin Murphy, Mia Deblay and Luka Deblay, who all thought their grandfather was larger than life!
Carl will be remembered for being the all-time best dance partner, the man with a million hats (one for every occasion) and the man who would brighten every room with his dazzling personality.
Friends may greet the family Wednesday, 5-6 p.m. in the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull. Family remembrances will begin at 6 p.m. concluding with a Masonic Memorial Service at 6:30 p.m.
Funeral services will begin at the funeral home Thursday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Long Hill Burial Grounds, Trumbull, on Thursday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Carl has requested that donations be made in his name to Shriners Hospital of Boston or The Alzheimer’s Association.
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