Fred W. ZECKER

ZECKER, Fred W. passed away Saturday afternoon Jan. 12, 2013 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He had waged a 10 year battle against Melanoma with strength, courage, stamina, and humor.

He was born Oct. 15, 1940 to Fred and Martha Zecker. Mr. Zecker received a B.S. degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1961 and also attended its school of Public Administration.

After graduating, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1962 to 1964 in Puno, Peru. Mr. Zecker also served as Community Development Coordinator at ACTION Housing, Inc. in Pittsburgh and as a social worker in Everett, PA.

In 1965 Mr. Zecker joined the United States Air Force. During his service, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal and held a top security clearance. He was a distinguished graduate of the Air Force officer's training school in Lackland AFB, Texas. Fred W. Zecker retired from Pinellas Opportunity Council, Inc. as Executive Director on March 16, 2012. He had been employed at POC for 38 years, serving for 18 years as Deputy Director. During his tenure, Mr. Zecker served on the Department of Community Affairs state-wide Community Services Block Grant Advisory committee and the WorkNet Pinellas Board of Directors. He was instrumental in the start-up of many local agencies including the Pinellas County Urban League, Gulfcoast Legal Services, the Economic Development Corporation, and the Mobile Geriatric Dental Unit. As Executive Director of POC, Mr. Zecker's contributions in helping to alleviate poverty and improving economic conditions in Pinellas County are immeasurable and were committed to the mission of POC in "helping people, changing lives." He was admired and highly respected for his leadership by the POC board, staff, colleagues, business associates, funders, and the community action network. He made a great impact in this community and, after retirement, he continued to serve POC in a voluntary capacity as free time permitted.

Mr. Zecker is survived by "The Love of His Life" for 20 years, his wife, Donna; loving younger brother, Eugene, of New Kensington, PA; and adoring daughter, Deanna Zecker, of Atlanta, GA.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 16th at the David C. Gross Funeral Home. The burial will be private. Memorials may be made to the Pinellas Opportunity Council, 3443 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713, Suncoast Hospice (thehospice.org), or the Melanoma Research Foundation, 1411 K Street N.W., Ste. 500, Washington, DC 20005 (donations.melanoma.org).