H. Zentz

H. Alan Zentz, 56, of Rising Sun, died Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Frederick on Sept. 20, 1953. He dedicated his professional life to local, state and national wildland fire protection and his personal life to his family and friends.

From 1974 to 1999 he worked for the Maryland Forest Service, first as the forest ranger in Cecil County, then as the regional fire manager for the Central Region and finally as Maryland State Fire Supervisor. In 1999, Alan joined the USDA Forest Service as the Cooperative Fire Program Specialist for the Northeastern Area. Throughout his career he worked to improve forest fire protection for millions of people in the Northeast. He provided response assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the World Trade Towers during the attack of 9/11, and on hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His work in the arena of emergency response has helped provide a foundation for incident management implementation throughout the nation.

Some of Alan's happiest days were spent with his wife, Sue, planting and nurturing the flowers, trees and shrubs at their home, enjoying the koi pond they built, playing golf and bird watching. One of his greatest pleasures was watching the sun set at the end of the day. Alan was a lifetime member of the Guardian Hose Co., Thurmont.

In addition to his wife, Sue, Alan is survived by his daughter, Alanna Eisenberg, and her husband, Benjamin, of Boston; mother, Betty B. Zentz, of Thurmont; brother, William Zentz, and wife, Candy, of Thurmont; sister, Patricia Moning, and husband, Clark, of Hagerstown; and in-laws Mae and Marvin Lease, of Brunswick, and Kay and Chris Soares of Woodsboro; and several fond nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Philip L. Zentz.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Crouch Funeral Home, 127 S. Main St., North East; and from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick.

A celebration of Alan's life will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Stauffer Funeral Home Chapel in Frederick. Friends and family will be invited to share special memories during the celebration of Alan's life. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Cemetery, Thurmont.

The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation to Alan's many friends, family members and neighbors who provided support and assistance throughout his journey. Alan's story has been chronicled on his Caring Bridge website: www.caringbridge.org/alanzentz . Expressions of condolences may also be shared on Alan's guestbook on this website.

Alan will be missed by all who knew him for his wit, humor, and dedication to his family and the fire program he served so well. Memorial contributions may be sent to Northern Chesapeake Hospice Foundation, c/o Crouch Funeral Home, 127 S. Main St., North East, MD 21901.