Obituary for Donald Zacharias
Donald Zacharias, 87, Brookfield, WI., formerly of Dunkirk, N.Y., passed away peacefully at Brooks Memorial Hospital, while visiting Dunkirk, N.Y., on Saturday December 3, 2022. His family, wife of 61 years, Barbara (Handzel), and sons: Steven of California, Christopher of Wisconsin; daughter, Jill of California and granddaughters: Sierra and Callie of California, were by his side. As well as in the hearts of his brother, Thomas (Colette); grandson, Max Bretzfelder, granddaughter, Lily Zacharias and numerous family and friends. Also, being guided in spirit by predeceased family members: father, Casper and mother, Catherine (McKeon); brother, James; sister, Jean Hogg and granddaughter Evelyn.
Donald was born July 12, 1935 in Dunkirk, NY. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from St. Bonaventure University, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. His career life began at a young age delivering newspapers by bicycle. After graduation from St. Bonaventure University, he worked in Jamestown, N.Y., where he met and married his wife, Barbara, in 1961 and soon began working for the Food and Drug Administration in California. He then transferred to Maryland, where he was eventually hired as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Later, he transferred to Wisconsin where he lived the rest of his life as a loving husband, devoted father to his three children and dedicated grandfather to his four grandchildren.
He had a strong passion for spending time near the water. Whether it’d be relaxing on the beach, in his canoe on the lakes or river trips. He especially enjoyed spending time at the lake house in Van Buren, N.Y. Donald was the most patient, gentle person. He was well loved and will be missed with happy memories by everyone he had met. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 10, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 336 Washington Street, Dunkirk, N.Y. at 12 noon. Donald and his wife, Barbara, have been longtime supporters of the Maccanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Inc. in Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald’s memory may be made to the Maccanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Inc., P.O. Box 80165, Milwaukee, WI, 53208.
A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2023 in Van Buren, N.Y.
On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.
Donald was born July 12, 1935 in Dunkirk, NY. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from St. Bonaventure University, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. His career life began at a young age delivering newspapers by bicycle. After graduation from St. Bonaventure University, he worked in Jamestown, N.Y., where he met and married his wife, Barbara, in 1961 and soon began working for the Food and Drug Administration in California. He then transferred to Maryland, where he was eventually hired as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Later, he transferred to Wisconsin where he lived the rest of his life as a loving husband, devoted father to his three children and dedicated grandfather to his four grandchildren.
He had a strong passion for spending time near the water. Whether it’d be relaxing on the beach, in his canoe on the lakes or river trips. He especially enjoyed spending time at the lake house in Van Buren, N.Y. Donald was the most patient, gentle person. He was well loved and will be missed with happy memories by everyone he had met. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 10, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 336 Washington Street, Dunkirk, N.Y. at 12 noon. Donald and his wife, Barbara, have been longtime supporters of the Maccanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Inc. in Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald’s memory may be made to the Maccanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Inc., P.O. Box 80165, Milwaukee, WI, 53208.
A celebration of life will be planned for the summer of 2023 in Van Buren, N.Y.
On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.