Eric Zentmyer

Eric William Zentmyer, 26, also known as “Little Buddy” and “Z-Man”, passed from this life to the arms of Jesus on January 31, 2015 at the Chambersburg Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born March 28, 1988 in Chambersburg, Eric was the son of David C. (wife Victoria) Zentmyer and Debra Cunningham Petrilla and husband Mark, all of Chambersburg.

Eric was a joy to everyone he met, and all were touched by his contagious smile. He possessed the kindest spirit that anyone would ever meet. Because of who he was, people were drawn to him. He was a symbol of unconditional love. Eric loved life. He enjoyed traveling, reading, listening to music, and especially dancing. He passionately cheered for Pitt football and basketball as well as the Hershey Bears hockey team and enthusiastically watched all sports. Driving the golf carts, gator, four-wheeler, and the boat gave him great pleasure and pride. He tenderly cared for his numerous pets that he loved with all his heart.

Not only did he love life, but also he loved his job at the Chambersburg Area School District and took great pride in it. Being a hard worker earned him much success as a student. His accomplishments include 5th grade spelling champion, Distinguished Honor Roll, a first place in the Franklin County Science Fair, and he was one of the first special needs students to earn Student of the Month honors at Faust Junior High School. He proudly graduated from CASHS in 2008. Eric also loved his Lord. He attended the Presbyterian Church of Falling Spring and King Street Church with his family.

In addition to his parents, Eric is survived by his sister, Emily Zentmyer of Fayetteville; his step-sister, Laura Petrilla of Pittsburgh; step-brothers Michael Varner of Hollidaysburg and Matthew Varner of Shippensburg; his step-grandmother, Donna Burns of Fayetteville; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Donald and Evelyn Zentmyer and his maternal grandparents, William and Louise Cunningham.

A service to celebrate Eric’s life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 7, 2015 at King Street Church, 162 East King Street, Chambersburg, PA with Rev. Mark Medina, Rev. Dr. William H. Harter, Rev. Don Baker, and Rev. Lester Stine officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, National Processing Center, PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9976 or to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, 5051 Letterkenny Road West, Chambersburg, PA 17202.