Zachary Thomas "Zach" Gilbert

Zachary Gilbert, age 26, passed away suddenly at his family’s home in Pataskala on November 6th. Zach will be remembered for his intellect, his athletic and artistic talents and ability to make others laugh. He was caring and devoted to his family and friends. Zach was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Zachary was born in Columbus to Dr. Thomas and Vicki Gilbert, who survive at the home. He attended Pataskala Elementary School, Watkins Middle School, and in 2001 was graduated from Watkins Memorial High School, where he was an honor student and varsity athlete. Zach excelled in all sports, including tennis, basketball, and soccer. While in high school, Zach was a member of the Watkins Memorial Varsity Soccer Team, which advanced far in the OSHAA state Tournament. While excelling in all subjects in school, Zachary showed a great talent for art and computer graphics. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Otterbein College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and attended Capital University School of Law. He was currently attending Otterbein College to receive his MBA. In addition to his parents, Zach is survived by his sister, Jamie Gilbert of Pataskala; maternal grandmother, Olga Perch of Bath, Ohio; uncles and aunts Harry (Bud) Gilbert of Uniontown, Ohio; Dr. Bob and Linda Gilbert of San Francisco, California; Dr. George Atanasoff of Strongsville, Ohio; and Jim and Connie Perch of Jefferson City, Missouri. He is also survived by cousins Dr. Harry and Trauda Gilbert, Susie and Brad Caswell, and Mark Gilbert, all of Uniontown, Ohio; Rev. David and Sharron Gilbert of Youngstown, Ohio; Heather Gilbert; Holly Hauer; Kathy Faro; John Meyer; Steve Meyer; Jeff Meyer; Colleen Archer of Chicago , Illinois; and Katie and Kevin Spear of St. Louis, Missouri. Zachary was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harry (Gib) and Alfreda (Bobbie) Gilbert; maternal grandfather, Joseph Perch; and aunts, Doris Gilbert and Linda Atanasoff. The family will receive friends from 5-8pm Monday, November 9, 2009 at the Schoedinger Northeast Chapel 1051 East Johnstown Road (at Beecher Road) Gahanna, where the Funeral Service will be held Tuesday at 11am, with Dr. Gary W. Exman, officiating. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Capital Area Humane Society. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory or to send a condolence.