Charles A. Zink

Easthampton/Belchertown-Charles A. Zink, aged 88, passed away on August 10, 2024, in Springfield, MA. Born on August 25, 1935, in Montague, MA, Charles was a man of many talents and profound dedication, whose life was marked by service, creativity, and a love for music and technology.Charles devoted his early years to serving his country with distinction. He enlisted in the Navy in 1953, serving honorably until 1956. His commitment to the armed forces continued when he joined the Air Force, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant by the time he retired on August 25, 1995, after 30 years of dedicated service. During his tenure, he was stationed at Barnes Air Force Base. During his career in the military, Charles applied his skills as a machinist for a defense contractor in Northampton.Charles was a man with diverse interests and passions. He played various instruments, with a particular fondness for the trumpet, and performed in a band. Alongside his musical pursuits, Charles enjoyed building and flying model airplanes as an active member of the Hampshire County Radio Controllers Club, as well as photography, bowling and computers.Charles is remembered and survived by his nieces and nephews, Wendy Cook and her husband Robert of Belchertown, Darlene Harper of Ware, Randall Harper and his wife Roxanna of Ware, and Douglas and Scott Zinkevicz of NH, as well as a multitude of great nieces and great nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Charles Zinkevicz; his mother, Elizabeth (Engelhart) Zinkevicz; his wife, Barbara (Winiarski) Zink, his son, James Zink; his sister, Elizabeth (Zinkevicz) Harper, and his brother, Robert Zinkevicz.A graveside service with military honors will be held at South Amherst Cemetery, where Charles will be laid to rest alongside his son, Jim on Wednesday, Sept 4 at 12 pm.