Obituary of Joan M. Zink

Joan M. Zink Allegany, NY Joan M. Zink, 83, passed away Monday (October 13, 2025) at her home. Born May 10, 1942 in Salamanca, she was the daughter of Earl and Lucille Piuder Zink. Joan was a 1959 graduate of Allegany Central School and began working at the former First National Bank as a bookkeeper and after its merger in Olean until 1966. She began a long career as an administrative assistant at St. Bonaventure University, first for the Vice President, and later for the University President, retiring in 2008. She served in that capacity for seven university presidents and always enjoyed the experience of working side by side with the friars. She was a member of the former St. John the Baptist Church in Vandalia, and more recently of St. Bonaventure Church. She loved and enjoyed times spent with her family as well as with her pets over the years. She is survived by a sister, Sharon Friel; nieces and nephews, John (Michelle) Zink, Jeffrey Zink, Teresa Zink, James (Nichole) Zink, Lisa Fries, and Daniel (Kelly) Friel, and many great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, David Zink in 1987. Visitation will be private for family. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday (October 20, 2025) at 10am at St. Bonaventure Church. Pastor Chris Emminger will be the celebrant. Burial will follow next to her parents in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to H. Bernice Kinnear Scholarship Fund or the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Olean-Hinsdale Rd., Olean, NY 14760 (https://spcacattco.org/).