Donald Gilbert Zender Jr

Donald Gilbert Zender Jr., 48, of Columbus Ohio passed away on June 27th, 2024 at home. He was born on March 22nd, 1976 in Streator, IL to Donald G. & Pyllis A. (Provance) Zender.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his partner of 16 years, Douglas Massey and his rescue dog Oakley.

An entrepreneur at heart, Don was involved in several ventures, one of which revolutionized the health, safety and wellbeing of firefighters. Most recently he founded Hockey Helping Heroes, a foundation that supports our fallen military, law enforcement and firefighters through the sport of hockey.

Don was a very unique individual with a big heart and you always knew where you stood with him. He enjoyed 4x4 off-roading, ice hockey and palling around with his sidekick, Oakley the Weimaraner.