Victor Thomas Zakowski, Jr., 79, of Harmony passed away on
after a courageous battle with Dementia. Victor is survived by his loving wife and partner of over 57 years, Carol Chergi Zakowski. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 20, 1944, to the late Victor T. Zakowski, Sr. and Florine Zakowski. He was brother to Laureen Hartman (deceased), Marsha Zakowski, and Rodney Zakowski.
Victor was an incredible man of numerous talents, in addition to being a very kind and gentle person, and he was always willing to take an extra step to help someone in need. After he served in the Marines, he started his career as a draftsman in Pittsburgh and then became a skilled Vocational Education teacher who passed on his expertise to a large number of former students. He worked in many school facilities over the years for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit of Pittsburgh. With a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, he cultivated many at-risk children at various institutions. He was the Director at Beattie Technical School in the North Hills for several years before moving on to SCI-Pittsburgh (the former Western Penitentiary) as Chief Administrator in assisting felons to obtain their GED’s while incarcerated. He became an excellent self-taught equestrian and won a great deal of competitions with his favorite horse “Teddy,” whom he personally trained. In addition, he was a proud member of the Sheriff’s Posse of Butler County and enjoyed participating in many parades and activities. Along with being an avid hunter and fisherman, he was a member of several boards, including: the FBI Citizens’ Academy; Amachi Pittsburgh; the CLO Guild; the PSSA; and the Pennsylvania Arabian Horse Association. He was an experienced scuba diver and became a certified “Divemaster” while obtaining his certification in dangerous shark infested waters in the Bahamas. He and his wife traveled to many foreign countries throughout the world during their blessed marriage to learn more about the culture and traditions of other nationalities. He was a devout Catholic at Mary, Queen of Peace Church in the South Side of Pittsburgh, where he was a member of their angelic choir each week until his illness. He was also a dedicated volunteer for various functions and fundraisers throughout the Butler and Pittsburgh communities to assist those in need.
Even though Victor was an extremely talented individual, one of his favorite achievements during his incredible life was being an “Elvis” tribute artist, in which he excelled! During this period in his life, many cruise ship participants, partygoers, and countless friends were fascinated by his unique style of portraying the King! Victor valued close connections with his loyal friends, always striving to help those in need, while making good memories and sharing wonderful experiences with many of his colleagues and those he loved. He will be so deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the extreme privilege of knowing him.
Victor’s family is forever grateful for the love and care provided by “The Grove” in Harmony. Unbelievably, Victor met the true love of his life, Carol, at a dance in Castle Shannon 60 years ago, which was also named “The Grove.” Victor’s family is also dedicated for the love and caring of him in hospice at UPMC McCandless. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Victor’s name to Glade Run Foundation, 30 Glade Run Drive, Zelienople, PA 16063. Professional services will be entrusted to Kinsey & Volz Funeral Home, 114 W. Spring Street, Zelienople, PA 16063. Burial will be private. A celebration of Victor’s amazing and unique life will be announced in the future.
