February 8, 1976 – June 2, 2025

“You are no longer burdened by the storm. You are the calm now. You are free.”

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ryan W. Zimmerman, 49, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, who passed away following an automobile accident on June 2, 2025, at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA.

Born on February 8, 1976, in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, Ryan was the beloved son of Joyce A. (Shaffer) Zimmerman and the late Douglas C. Zimmerman. He graduated from Brookville High School in 1994, and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Clarion University, followed by his Master’s Degree in Education at Shippensburg University.

Ryan devoted much of his professional life to education, teaching middle school social studies in both Dinwiddie County, Virginia and Hagerstown, Maryland, for nearly 15 years. He also worked alongside his mother and sister as a part-time real estate agent for many years. His career path later led him to Citibank, where he served as a team leader, and most recently to Pyramid Healthcare, where he made a meaningful impact as a drug and alcohol counselor. Ryan cared about educating and helping others, having found deep fulfillment in counseling.

Ryan enjoyed life’s simple pleasures such as gardening, planting his favorite portulacas, mowing the lawn, watching birds at his many bird feeders, and relaxing on the porch of his family’s hunting camp. However, his greatest joy came from time spent with his beloved son, Ryland — whether watching his son play sports, enjoying games together on TV, or taking father-son road trips. At home, he cherished quiet moments with his three cats.

Ryan is survived by his son, Ryland Zimmerman of Lancaster, PA; stepdaughter Téa Smith of Waynesboro, PA; and their mother, Bobbie Zimmerman of Greencastle, PA. He is also survived by his mother Joyce Zimmerman and step-father Donald Abrecht of Frederick, MD; siblings: Doug (Molly) Zimmerman of Brookville, PA, Amanda (Ricky Brandenburg) Zimmerman of Frederick, MD, and Adam Zimmerman of Brookville, PA; stepsisters: Jennifer Abrecht (Tim Donnelly) of Gaithersburg, MD, Sara (Ben Mcdonnell) Abrecht of Frederick, MD and Wendy Johnston (Scott) of Goochland, VA. Ryan leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family who will miss him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas C. Zimmerman; grandparents, Byron and Elizabeth Shaffer and Clyde “Pete” and Maxine Zimmerman; and aunts, Cindy Childs and Cheryl Raudabaugh.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. A memorial gathering to celebrate Ryan’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to support Ryland Zimmerman with college loan expenses, in loving memory of this father, Ryan Zimmerman. Contributions may be sent to 14918 Sherwood Drive, Greencastle, PA 17225 or shared electronically- please reach out to a family member for more information. Your kindness means so much during this time.

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