Dr. Gregory S. Zinni 1957-2021

Greg was born Dec. 27, 1957, in Youngstown, the son of Chester and Loretta Coloutes Zinni.

He was a 1975 graduate of Ursuline High School, where he was the president of the National Honor Society as well as captain of the cross country team. Greg earned his bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati and went on to receive his medical doctorate from The Ohio State University School of Medicine in 1982.

In 1985, Greg took over the practice of Dr. Jack Schreiber and had been at his privately-owned practice in Canfield for more than 30 years. He was also an affiliate physician at Mercy Health and Southwoods Hospital. Throughout his medical career, Greg found a great passion advocating for addiction rehabilitation. He recently became certified in addictionology and had been carrying out his passion to bring sobriety to those suffering from the disease.

Since 2015, he treasured the opportunity to work alongside his daughter, Elizabeth, in the practice. It is with great solace that Dr. Zinni was able to leave his legacy in her passionate hands, along with the care of his devoted and loyal employees. Greg truly adored caring for others and loved each and every one of his patients as if they were family.

Greg was a member of St. Christine Catholic Church in Youngstown, where he was a Eucharistic minister, former CCD teacher, and Renewal participant. Anyone who attended church with him knew that he made sure his singing voice was heard.

Greg was well-rounded and very active. From playing golf to working out at the gym; from dancing and singing to gardening and cooking; from coaching and sponsoring baseball for over 10 years to playing fantasy football and rooting on his Ohio State Buckeyes, he was passionate in all that he did. Above all else, he cherished his role as Papi to three beautiful grandchildren. When together, anyone can admit it was hard to tell who the real child was.

Greg will be remembered for his generosity, intelligence, passion, selflessness and larger-than-life personality. Most importantly, as the rock of his family and friends, he will be missed for bringing people together, for listening and laughing, and for his unconditional love.

Greg leaves behind his wife, Cheryl Freedman Zinni; children, Gregory Paul Zinni of Youngstown, Elizabeth Ann “Ebie” (Kenneth Daff) Zinni of Austintown, Carly Catherine Zinni and Natalie Marie Zinni, both of Youngstown, and Grayson Stephen Zinni of Cortland; two stepchildren, Marisa Valicenti of Canfield and Matthew Valicenti of Boardman; three grandchildren, Adriana and Viviana Daff, and step-grandson, Dominic Tul; brother, Jeff Zinni of Youngstown; sister, Jennifer (Phillip) Saadey of Youngstown; maternal aunt, Rosemary Repasky of Girard; many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his most loyal furry canine companions, Chester and Sophia-Lucia.

Besides his parents, Greg was preceded in death by two brothers, Chester Zinni Jr. and Kenneth B. “Kenny” Zinni.

Family and friends may pay their respects Thursday evening, Jan. 14, 2021, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Youngstown.

Everyone is asked to meet Friday morning, Jan. 15, 2021 at 10 a.m. for Greg’s Mass of Christian burial at St. Christine Catholic Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, with Father Richard Murphy as officiant.

The family, funeral home and church will be practicing social distancing (6-feet rule) and proper health protocols. As mandated by the governor, please wear a mask or facial covering. If you are unable to attend, the family understands and acknowledges your thoughts and prayers as a tribute to Greg.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dr. Gregory Zinni’s name to Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic or to Animal Charity.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Greg’s family.

To all of those grieving the loss of Dr Z., remember his advice to you would be, “this too shall pass.”

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