Obituary of Richard Anthony Zachary

Richard A. Zachary, of Ransomville, NY, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Niagara Hospice. "Zac" was born in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of Nicholas Zachary and Keitha Cooney. Zac served two (2) tours in Vietnam, earning the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, along with the Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal and the Expert Marksmanship ribbon. He worked for the Youngstown and Lewiston Police Departments before proudly becoming a Niagara County Sheriff Deputy in 1981. He started out as patrol; transporting prisoners, was a member of Aviation Unit and managed the evidence room. Zac was a previous member and chairman of the Republican Committee for the Town of Porter. Zac's favorite thing to do was to work at the Ransomville Speedway on Friday nights. Within the almost 40 years there, he was security and a track official. No matter what capacity he was in, Zac was always available to break up fights in the pits. There were times he could be seen hopping out of a helicopter, midfield, as a ballerina; he was a rodeo clown and Hawaiian hula girl where the crowd could throw hula hoops to "Ring" him. Mr. Zachary loved Sundays when he would make his famous sauce and meatballs, the family would come over to eat and watch NASCAR races and football. Zac was affectionately called "Grampa Creep," "Grampa Snack," "Papa Fries" or "Grampy" by his grandchildren. Besides his parents, Richard is predeceased by his dear sister, Patricia Ogrodowski. Zac is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Gail A. (nee Bradley); loving children, Krista Zachary and Rick Zachary; caring step-children, David (Julie) Branch and Jodi (Ed Waddell) Branch; 11 cherished grandchildren and two adored great-grandchildren; caring half-sister Mancene Sinclair and brother-in-law, Charles Ogrodowski; also survived by nieces and nephews. The family will be present to receive friends on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 4-7 PM at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, where Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Friends invited. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ransomville Volunteer Fire Company or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Please share condolences at www.HARDISONFUNERALHOMES.com..