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Zacharek, Kenneth F.

January 14, 2051 –
 April 17, 2013

Obituary

Kenneth Frederick Zacharek, age 62, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2013, in his home in Plano, Texas. He was born on January 14, 1951, in Syracuse, New York, to Edward T. Zacharek and Theresa Kuklinski. Having a father who worked for the Veterans Health Administration, Ken grew up moving across the country, from California to North Dakota to New York. He finally landed in Maryland for his senior year of high school where he met his first wife, Kathy Rockwell. Ken worked for the United States Postal Service while his family grew to include his two daughters Kimberly and Katy. In 1989, they moved to Texas where he began his career as an underwriter. He lost Kathy in 2008 after a long battle with cancer. Ken was lucky enough to find love once more with Elizabeth (Libby) Triolet. They married on his birthday in January of 2012. Ken loved to travel, try new cuisine, and spend time with his family. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and zingers, his steadfast loyalty to the Washington Redskins (even after 24 years in Texas), and his love of a good glass of wine (or scotch). Ken was 100% Polish and proud of it! He took great pride in his grandchildren and loved to oil paint. He was a caring, loyal, protective man, a loving husband, father, Dzia Dzia, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He will be dearly missed. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Libby Zacharek, two daughters Kim Zacharek and Kat Haggarty, son-in-law Jeff Haggarty, two stepsons Mark and Steven Triolet, five grandchildren Zoey Haggarty, Dominick Falleto, and Madison, Ryan, and Lauren Triolet, mother Theresa Kowbel, three brothers Gary, Keith, and Eddie Zacharek, sister Nancy Tolbert, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Ken is predeceased by his father, Edward Zacharek, his brother, George Zacharek, and his first wife, Kathy Zacharek. The funeral services will be held at 10AM on Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano, TX, 75023. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity.

    Kimberly Hamilton
    22 Apr 2013
    3:28pm

    I am saddened to know that my dear friend Ken has went home to Heaven but I would like to promise him that I will take care of your lovely wife Libby in your absence. Ken I know that you are smiling down on us cracking one of your many jokes and I will truly miss you.

    Gayle Meador
    22 Apr 2013
    5:29pm

    Ray and Gayle only had 2 years to know and love Ken. He was one of the kindest men we’ve ever known. How we loved him and will always miss him. Our love to Libby, Kim and Kat and sweet, sweet Zoey

    Bob Fandrich
    23 Apr 2013
    9:43am

    Dear Keith, Gary, Nancy,and Families,
    I’m so sorry to hear about Ken. All of my memories are filled with laughter from the wit and charm he had. I know it’s been a while since I had seen him, but his smile still will live in you. And I will think of him whenever I’m around that beautiful Zacharek wit and sense of humor, that I see when I’m with one, or all of you

    May God bless him and all of you

    Bob Fandrich

    George Zacharek
    23 Apr 2013
    6:17pm

    It was a great surprise to hear that Kenny passed. very sorry
    uncle

    Sorry to hear the news. uncle George & Cindy Last time we talked at his fathers funeral.s5TKvc

    libby zacharek
    23 Apr 2013
    10:06pm

    This is a memory to the love of my life, best friend and my loving husband. I have never known a person who could be so loving, and witty at the same time. You gave me the happiest two years in my life. Your butterfly has stopped fluttering for a few days and misses you so much. Libby

    Brian Starkman
    24 Apr 2013
    5:12pm

    Sad to hear about Kenny. Many was the time we played hide ‘n seek on Burnett Ave in Syracuse – not to mention the railroad tracks and the barrel yard next door. Farewell, cousin.

    Scott Hube
    26 Apr 2013
    9:00am

    I had the pleasure to work with Ken. I had a peaceful & kind demeanor, and was a man of integrity. No doubt he will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Condolences to his family & loved ones.

    Jason Zacharek
    28 Apr 2013
    9:53am

    What a devastating loss not only to our family, but to all Ken’s friends and the whole world. They really don’t make guys like Ken anymore. He was a smart, funny, beautiful person who always brought joy and laughter to everyone around him. Our hearts are with you Kim, Kat, Libby…
    Love Jason and Kim.

    Malaye Kinder
    29 Apr 2013
    11:04am

    When I think of Ken, I smile from head to toe! I am so sorry to hear that Ken is no longer with us. Ken, you have given me such great memories and you will forever remain in my heart. You bring laughter and smiles to all you know, we will ALL miss you so very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, may you feel with warmth of our Awesome God! Malaye & Brian

    Ellen Baldwin
    29 Apr 2013
    1:08pm

    Libby,
    You and Ken were blessed to have each other if only for a short time. God makes no promises as to the time we will have together, so I believe it is important to make the most of the time we do have. You were both brought into each others lives to be able to make a positive difference for each other. Please dwell on all the laughter and happy times you had together so that you may by the grace of God realize when Ken is close by watching over you and taking care of you, as well as letting you know that he is just fine. Ken would want you to be happy.

    Ellen Baldwin
    29 Apr 2013
    1:14pm

    Libby,
    I believe you and Ken were brought into each others lives for a reason. You and I have had this conversation before so I know you understand what I mean. Now that you know your purpose and you filled it wonderfully, please don’t let his purpose go without being fulfilled. In your own time you will find the way, and ken will be there with you to show you the way to the next chapter in your life. I am so happy for you, that no matter how short the time, you now know the real meaning of love. God bless you

    Girlean (GG) Williams
    30 Apr 2013
    9:57am

    I am so saddened that Ken had to go so soon but God also wants the best of the best. Although those that you left behind mourn, you have no more pain and I know you are looking down on us smiling. You certainly brought happiness and joy into Mrs. Libby’s life and for that I thank you. You made her smile and chuckle like a teenager in love and you have given her some great memories. Those memories will keep her strong.Your shoes will be hard to fill but we will take care of her for you. Rest Ken, but always know that you are never forgotten.

    Rosslyn Davis
    30 Apr 2013
    4:51pm

    My heart is broken into many pieces for my good friend is no longer on this earth! Who will email me the “Maxine” comics! Who will tell me about the trips and the many stops along the way?..There is so much that Ken & I would talk about, I could go on and on…. My love and heartfelt condolences to the Girls, Zoey and Libby. I loved Ken and I miss him.

    Liz Comeau
    1 May 2013
    7:32am

    Libby, Where does one begin. To see you so happy and now so sad 🙁 You have had the best of times and the not so best of times of late, but oh my goodness the memories you now have. I will miss Ken, he made you laugh like a little girl, it has been such a pleasure to watch and see you grow in your love for each other, I am truly sorry for your loss. You know I am here and where I am, and I know where the good wine is. Liz XXX

    Rosslyn Davis
    1 May 2013
    8:45am

    Ken was my friend and the most kind, sweet, warm, friendliest person for a man mind you, that I’ve ever known!!I miss him terribly! No matter what he was going through medically,he would try his darnest to get to work! Such determination that man had! My heartfelt condolences to Libby, “the girls” as Ken would call Kim and Kat, sweet Zoey and his mother, sister, brothers and the entire family… Please know that in Texas, Ken has left his mark…..we all loved him so!!

    Dan Waldorf
    3 May 2013
    12:38am

    It has been my good fortune to have known Ken for the past dozen years. What began as a business relationship grew into a true friendship of mutual respect and trust. My fond nickname for Ken: “Professor,” reflected his wisdom, patience and kindness. Now, his gentle spirit has left us and he rests in heaven. Goodbye my friend.

    Sharyl Markovits
    3 May 2013
    3:17pm

    Ken, such a gentle spirit. To know him was to love him for sure. He always had the best smile and laugh–he loved to laugh–he loved to make others laugh. So many wonderful and funny memories come to mind when you say his name. You will truly be missed. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Peace be with you.

    Tonya Hughes
    4 May 2013
    7:52am

    Today will be a celebration of Ken’s life. It will be joyous and it will sadden you. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Libby your strength is in your heart. Ken is your strength that will remain in your heart. Be encouraged.

    Midge Vinciguerra
    5 Jul 2013
    11:44am

    Kenny, Just yesterday when I read Uncle Mitch’s obituary, I learned that you are no longer with us. I sat here remembering the little cousin that I babysat for, the wonderful time we spent with you in Washington, DC., all the Christmas cards and pictures of the girls. In the last card you sent me, you told me you met a wonderful woman and were engaged. I was so happy for you and hope your short time together as husband and wife was wonderful. Today I will be able to express my sympathy to your Mom, brothers and sisters when I see them. Ken, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Midge

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