Robert H. Zentz, 81, president and CEO of Fellowship Community, Whitehall, died Oct. 9, 2018.

A devout Christian, he wants everyone to know he is rejoicing with Jesus and will reunite with his friends and family again some day.

He was president and CEO of Fellowship Community for more than 22 years.

Before joining Fellowship, he enjoyed one day of retirement after serving 25 years as vice president of nursing with Sacred Heart Hospital.

He held many management positions with various hospitals throughout New York.

A graduate of Orchard Park High School in New York. he earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from the University of Buffalo, in New York and an Master of Science in Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

He graduated from the Edward J. Meyer Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in New York, was a licensed registered nurse and achieved an Nursing Home Administrator certification for which he continued his education annually.

An active member of the community, he provided his expertise on the boards of many organizations.

He served as vice chair of St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Board of Trustees, a member of the Whitehall Township Planning Commission, chairman of the board of Bright Hope Pregnancy Support Centers, Board of Trustees of the Whitehall Area Community Foundation, board of directors and past president of the Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of Cetronia Ambulance Corps and served as an elder with Fellowship Community Bible Fellowship Church.

He established the Presidential Scholarship Fund at Fellowship Community to help advance the education of employees.

Under his direction, Fellowship Community provided more than $3.5 million in charitable care last year.

He received the Healthcare Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award from Lehigh Valley Business, the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Legacy Award from Bright Hope Pregnancy Support Centers, and Lehigh Valley Style named him a Stellar Senior 2016.

This year, Zentz received the Top Leadership Award for Medium-Sized Businesses by The Morning Call Top Work Places based on surveys of his employees.

He was an inspirational leader, insightful mentor and compassionate friend who was dearly loved by his family, friends and the staff and residents of Fellowship Community.

Born in Orchard Park, New York, he was the son of the late Henry and Emma (Giess) Zentz.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilynn (Wolf) Zentz, and his children: Michael Zentz and his wife, Cindy, of Pittsburgh, Audrey Fernald and her husband, William, of Allentown, Susan Graveno and her husband, Brian, of Whitehall, Charles Zentz of Emmaus, Joanne Farley and her husband, Charles, of Palmerton, Jeffrey Zentz of Slatington, and Jennifer Fried and fiancé, Joshua Fizz, of Emmaus; and 15 grandchildren.

Donations may be made to Fellowship Community Annual Fund to provide benevolent care for residents or to the Robert H. Zentz Presidential Scholarship Fund to advance the education of Fellowship employees.

Both may be mailed to 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home, Whitehall.