William A. Zentgraft, Jr.
September 19, 1961 – August 12, 2022
William ”Bill” or “Billy” A. Zentgraft Jr., of Owings, MD, lost his brief battle with cancer on August 12, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Prince Frederick, MD on September 19, 1961 to William Albert and Elsie Mae (Carroll) Zentgraft. He grew up on the family farm raising tobacco, corn, hay and cattle. He graduated from Calvert High School in 1979. Shortly after, he left the farming life and worked in the boating industry for over 20 years at Topaz, Smiths, and Clarks Landing. He met the love of his life, Lynette Gabriel, from Beverly, MA, in 1998 and they married in 2003. Following the birth of their first child, William Albert Zentgraft, III, in 2005, they moved back to Calvert County. They soon welcomed their second son, Matthew Andrew Zentgraft, in 2007.
In 2011, after the passing of his father, Bill took over the family business as a Calvert County school bus contractor. He was dedicated to his work and drivers, never taking a day off, ensuring the buses were safe, clean and ready every day. He was a member of the Maryland state and local school bus contractor associations.
Bill was a devoted husband and father and spent much of his spare time attending his children’s various school and sporting events. He also loved traveling with family, especially the two cross country road trips. Bill enjoyed grilling, eating crabs, fishing at the lake in Maine, and spending quality time with family and friends. In his younger years, he was active in sports, particularly basketball and volleyball. He loved football, was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, and a fierce competitor in the family fantasy football league. He had a great sense of humor and made many people laugh and smile.
Not a day went by that Bill wasn’t working hard to take care of his family or helping others; he could fix or troubleshoot almost anything. He had a genuine and giving soul. As a member of Trinity United Methodist church, Bill served as an usher, a member of the Cemetery Committee, and helped with the HeartFELT ministry.
Bill is survived by his wife Lynette, two sons Will and Matthew, his sisters, Genevieve “Gennie” Zentgraft, and Christina “Christy” Rickett, and brother Charles Allen Zentgraft, all of Prince Frederick, MD. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.
Services
Saturday, August 20, 2022
12:00 P.M.
Interment
- Private
Contributions
Calvert Hospice
P.O. Box 838
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-0892
Condolences
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Sincere sympathy and prayers for Bill,
Lynette, Will, Matthew and all who love him.
He and all of you will remain in my prayers in the days ahead. May the God who gave you to each other and who has now called him home, comfort you.
Sister Jeanne Barnard, SSJ
(Katie Erly’s aunt)
I was deeply saddened to hear about Bill’s illness and his passing away. Bill was an important part of our HeartF.E.L.T. Ministry team at Trinity UMC that helps to Fill Empty Little Tummies of needy children. When there was a need Bill, and his family were the first to respond. May rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, and especially Will and Matt. Losing a father at a young age is especially hard. Know that your dad will be looking down from heaven proud of all of your future accomplishments. If you need anything, know your NMS family is always here.
Our sincere condolences to Lynette and her family. We were so saddened to learn about Bill’s passing. Bill worked for us for many years at Smith’s Marina on the Severn River. He was a great guy and friend. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick and Valerie
Lynette – Don and I were shocked to hear of Bill’s passing. It has been a long time since our volleyball days but know that we treasure his memory and hold you, the boys, and the entire Zentgraft family in our hearts and prayers. Prayers for comfort beyond understanding and peace during this time of grieving.
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Sending my love and condolences to Lynnette and the boys.
Sincere sympathy and prayers for Bill,
Lynette, Will, Matthew and all who love him.
He and all of you will remain in my prayers in the days ahead. May the God who gave you to each other and who has now called him home, comfort you.
Sister Jeanne Barnard, SSJ
(Katie Erly’s aunt)
So sorry to hear the loss of your brother Christy. There are no words to ease the passing of Bill. But do take solace in knowing your friends share in your sorrow. Paul Robinson
I was deeply saddened to hear about Bill’s illness and his passing away. Bill was an important part of our HeartF.E.L.T. Ministry team at Trinity UMC that helps to Fill Empty Little Tummies of needy children. When there was a need Bill, and his family were the first to respond. May rest in peace.
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Zentgraft family from the Cassidy Family.
Duane, Stephanie, Tyler, Riley, Jack, and Aidan
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Lynette. Prayers for you and your boys. Sending hugs.
My sincere condolences to your family and friends. May God comfort your heart and soul during your time of bereavement.
Sincerely,
Margie Sutton Chee
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, and especially Will and Matt. Losing a father at a young age is especially hard. Know that your dad will be looking down from heaven proud of all of your future accomplishments. If you need anything, know your NMS family is always here.
Our condolences to the Zentgraft family, worked with Billy at Clarks Landing and became lifelong friends with him. Thought of him many times through the years and wish I had gotten to see him once more.
With love and prayers to you and the boys. Thank you for sharing and giving us a peek into his life and loves. May he watch over you in the coming days. Sincerely,
The Murray Family
Sending love, prayers, and condolences to the Zentgraft family. I hadn’t seen Bill in 25 years or more, but I always hoped he was happy. After reading his obituary, I can see that he was.
Our sincere condolences to Lynette and her family. We were so saddened to learn about Bill’s passing. Bill worked for us for many years at Smith’s Marina on the Severn River. He was a great guy and friend. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick and Valerie
Lynette – Don and I were shocked to hear of Bill’s passing. It has been a long time since our volleyball days but know that we treasure his memory and hold you, the boys, and the entire Zentgraft family in our hearts and prayers. Prayers for comfort beyond understanding and peace during this time of grieving.
Lynette, Will, Matthew and family – Sending love and hugs to you at this very difficult time. We’ll keep you in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Karen & Randy Reich
My deepest condolences to the family. May God give you strength and guidance during this time.