Gene Ronald Zifzal, 73, of Smithfield, OH, joined his heavenly Father on Monday, December 17, 2012, following a brief illness.Gene was born in Piney Fork, OH, on January 7, 1939, the son of the late Frank and Rose Zifzal.Gene graduated from Smithfield High School in 1956 and received his bachelor's degree in education from Ohio University and his master's degree in education from the University of Dayton. He was a retired teacher in the Buckeye Local School District. Gene loved the outdoors and looked forward to the family's frequent trips to the beach and their annual camping trips. Gardening was also a special interest, and he enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with his family and friends. Gene was a member of Mount Pleasant Evangelical Friends Church where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir, and for many years he helped with the Piney Fork area community Bible school. Gene leaves his wife of 52 years, Rita (Martin) Zifzal; sons David (Kim) Zifzal of Cumberland, OH, and Dwayne (Melissa) Zifzal of Bloomingdale, OH; daughter Regina (Larry) Morris of Milford Center, OH; brothers Russell Zifzal of Smithfield and Raymond (Leona) of North Royalton, OH; sisters Rose Mary Spontaneo and Sandy (Joe) Homol, both of Piney Fork; grandchildren, Zach (Erica) Zifzal, Amber Zifzal, Eli Morris, Korah Morris, Levi Morris, Ethan Zifzal, Lindsey Zifzal, and Caleb Zifzal; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.Friends may call at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Smithfield from 4-8pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Thursday, December 20, at Mount Pleasant Evangelical Friends Church with Pastor Scott Rose officiating. Burial will follow in Northern Cemetery in Smithfield, OH.

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