Reverend Donald J. Zenner

Reverend Donald J. “Donnie” Zenner, 94, of Washington, PA passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.  He was born on January 11, 1932 in Canonsburg, PA the beloved son of the late Frank and Mary Zenner.  In his earliest years, he lived in the West End and was affectionately nicknamed the “Gazelle” by his boyhood friends.

Donald was a graduate of Washington High School.  During his time in school, he was a 2-time WPIAL Wrestling (Silver) Champion.  Upon graduating from High School, Donald received scholarship offerings from Pitt, Lehigh and Waynesburg Schools.  After attending Waynesburg University for some time, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard.  He became a Radio Man-II serving aboard USCG Confir Tacoma and Weather Ship Chincoteague.  He was active duty for 3 years and 5 years in the reserves earning an honorable discharge as a Korean War Veteran.

In 1956, he married his love Eleanor and moved to New York to continue college.  He graduated Nyack University in Nyack, New York, where he received his bachelor of science with a minor in theology.

Donald (following his Father’s career as a Barber shop owner), cut and styled hair while in New York attending school and was one of the first barber stylists to own a barber styling salon and business which was called “Private World” in Washington PA.  The Reverend Zenner’s profession was hair styling but his “calling” was the ministry and that barber shop became his Church.  From that space, he listened with empathy, spiritually guided, and led many hungry souls to Christ.  As a lay minister (throughout the years), he spoke at his son’s church, officiated in local funerals at the request of friends and family leading him to become an ordained minister on June 18th, 2016 by Bishop Phillip Campbell of the Abundant Life Ministry.  Donald was 84 at that time.

Throughout the years he would continue to challenge himself, never    allowing age to limit what he could accomplish. When his Father passed in 1978, he decided to get back into athletic shape.  In 1981, he entered his first 10k race.  It was the first of many he would win in his age group.  From age 51-74 he won over 500 awards, trophies, medals and ribbons, primarily taking first place within his age category across PA, Ohio and WV.  His races included 3 Pittsburgh marathons, 2 half marathons and several 20k’s.  Recognized as a nationally known distance runner, he ranked in the top 5% in his class, listed in the top 10 performances in 5 and 10 K races and was a 1988 Washington County Grand Prix champ.  As a result he was recognized for his long distance running by his induction into Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Washington-Greene County Chapter) in 1996.  In addition, he is also in the WHS Wrestling Hall of Fame.  In 1997, Donald entered the Pennsylvania Keystone Games for wrestling and he was 65 years old at the time.  In 2019, Donald was part of an elite group who were honored as Italian Americans known for their barbering.  His career and background is listed in the “Italian Heritage Collection”.

During his running tenure, Donald was a member of the Washington County Road Runner Club.  A past member of the Executive Committee for the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Washington-Greene County Chapter) and a 32 year Member of the American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.

Donald loved and studied history and his Bible all of his life. He was an advocate for a healthy lifestyle but the most important was spiritual health.  He was incredible Father, a loving Husband, a talented hair stylist, a gifted writer, a fierce competitor and warrior for Jesus Christ.

The Reverend Zenner was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 68 years, Eleanor (Capo) Zenner.  Surviving is his son, Reverend D. Joel Zenner and wife Kelly of New Braunfels, Texas; a daughter, Dawn Zenner-Gaudi and husband, Richard of Washington PA; two grandchildren, Daechia Leah Miller and husband, Jason of Ohio and Sierra “Bunny” Zenner of Texas and three great grandchildren, Daisy, Wesley and Dallas Miller.  Also surviving is his beautiful sister, Alma DonGiovanni of Washington PA.

Friends will be received on Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 P.M. in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Ave., Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner/Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home with the Rev. D. Joel Zenner officiating.  Interment will follow in Woodruff Memorial Park.  Full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post # 175 and the United States Coast Guard.  Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com