Kenneth S. Zack

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Linda Zack, and his children, Daniel Zack (Ashley) and Emma Seich (Bryan). He is survived by his mother, Margaret Zack; his sister, Christine Tobias (Jeff); his brother, Matthew Zack (Claire) and brothers-in law, Tim Chappell (Sherry) and Gary Chappell. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth C. Zack, and his in-laws of 37 years, Martin and Joann Chappell.

Ken was blessed with 8 nieces and nephews: Zack Tobias (Sarah), Allie Tobias (Will), Ben Tobias, Chloe Zack, Caroline Zack, Ellie Zack, Greg Chappell, Kelly O’Leary (David).

Ken had numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who grew up together in Cleveland, and frequently referenced fond (and often heartwarming and hilarious) memories of his time with them.

Ken and Linda were college sweethearts at Bucknell University where he also served as a volunteer firefighter for Lewisburg, PA. They married in 1985, and his work in Sales and Marketing for various specialty hospitals took them from Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH, Reston, VA, Kansas City, MO, Augusta, GA and finally to Dublin, Ohio,

Ken was struck down with chronic illness in the mid-1990s and his role shifted to becoming the primary caregiver for our family. His children consider him the “Best Dad Ever” and have wonderful memories of chaperoned school trips, lunchbox notes, sick days spent coloring and watching Disney movies and small songs and jingles he would write to commemorate family excursions. He coached numerous teams with St Brigid of Kildare School and Dublin Community leagues and participated in camping trips with Boy Scout Pack #117. He was always his children’s biggest fan!

Kenny had fond recollections of family summers spent at Ohio State Parks participating in the Ranger programs, various hunting/fishing/kayak outings, enjoying the Dublin Irish Festival, Thanksgivings at Deep Creek, Maryland with the extended family, Christmas Eve parties with Uncle Dennis and friends and time spent at home with family.

In 2014, Ken became a Franklin County Master Gardener donating time and energy to various community gardening programs. He was an active member of the Amlin Community garden, routinely donating his bounty to the Dublin Food Pantry. He became an avid flower gardener and filled the home with fresh flowers throughout the growing season. He was a long-time member of St Brigid of Kildare Parish.

Those who knew Kenny best will remember his quick (and sometimes irreverent) wit and ability to make us laugh. He was brave in the face of significant health challenges and rarely complained. He was intelligent, rooted in his faith and a fiercely loyal and loving husband and father. He thankfully passed his amazing dimples to his children so they will still be seen in moments of joy and laughter.

We will fondly remember Kenny in so many small ways: in our juicy ripe summer tomatoes, in cups of Starbucks black coffee, in Cosmos and Zinnias of assorted varieties, in the Daree Fields Dog Park where Ken and our pup, Wrigley, spent most afternoons and in his favorite chocolate cake recipe that accompanied any family celebration. He enjoyed cooking with his family and was a foodie who loved nothing better than a juicy steak on his beloved Green Egg grill. He was an avid Cleveland Browns (football) and Dayton Flyers (basketball) fan and he was frequently seen proudly wearing sweatshirts and ball-caps from the Universities where his children, nieces and nephews attended.

He was a bright presence in our lives and will be missed deeply.

The family would be remiss if we did not express our gratitude to the host of health care professionals who provided support, love and friendship throughout his days. They truly were the Super Heroes of Kenny’s life, and we appreciate their competence and compassion.

Friends and family are invited to gather for remembrance on Thursday, April 13th from 11AM-1PM at SCHOEDINGER DUBLIN; 5980 Perimeter Drive Dublin, Ohio 43017 with a brief service beginning at 1pm. Following the service Ken will be laid to rest at Dublin Cemetery.