Born November 3, 1992, in San Diego, California, Zachary was the second of three boys. With an infectious smile and one dimple, he was quick-witted, funny, and sarcastic. He loved all sports – and was an avid lifelong golfer. But he especially loved baseball – constantly watching his beloved San Diego Padres and going to games at Petco Park. He was a talented player of all board games and especially liked to emcee games projecting his ‘teacher’s voice’ with family and friends. He also loved to play the piano and sing from from an early age with Elton John as his favorite artist. Difficult though it may be to believe, Zachary was shy about his performing talent albeit not around his family as he filled holidays and gatherings with joy and music.
Zachary was a faith-filled young man and active member of the St. James Catholic community in Solana Beach. He attended St James Academy K-8 before moving on to Cathedral Catholic High School. Graduating from Marquette University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s double major in Education and Economics, he taught at Washington Junior High School in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, for a year before excitedly returning to San Diego where he taught 6th grade for one year at All Hallows Academy in La Jolla.
All of this set the stage for his dream job – becoming a teacher at his alma mater, Cathedral Catholic High School. Zachary relished being back at Cathedral and quickly became a popular leader among staff and students in the CCHS community where he taught History and his favorite subject, Economics. He was a devoted teacher both at school and in his homelife with his autistic brother Joshua to whom he selflessly instilled hard-won life skills.
Zachary had many special friends and relationships, but meeting Megan Fryday on July 15, 2018 completely transformed his life. Megan became the complete love of his life. “Two peas in a pod,” they shared a love of competing over everything from sports to reality television, referring to each other as their “person.” Zachary was welcomed into the Fryday family who he loved and spent many fun-filled hours together with her parents, John and Monica and brother Ian. He married his sweetheart Megan on July 3 – the greatest day of his life - surrounded by close family and friends.
Only eight months ago, the unthinkable occurred as Zachary was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Megan and Zachary’s Mom devoted themselves selflessly and completely to supporting him through this long and challenging battle. A huge community joined in constant prayer especially a devoted weekly Zoom Rosary group. Despite constant adversity, he never surrendered his faith or mind, passing away on July 20th, aged 28.
Zachary is survived by his loving wife Megan, parents James and Josie, brothers Nicholas and Joshua, sister-in-law Alexandra, and niece Sophia.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 11:00am at St James Catholic Church, Solana Beach. Visitation will be at St James, Monday, July 26, at 2-4pm and 5-7pm followed by a Rosary at 7pm. Memories will be shared following the Rosary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Zachary’s honor to Cathedral Catholic High School.
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