Edward Ronald Zack Sr.

Edward was born on January 30, 1934 in Windber, PA to the late Vincent Zack and Alva (Larson) Zack. In addition to his parents, Edward is preceded in death by his brothers Gerald “Jerry” Owen and Vincent Donald.

Edward’s survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Doris Jean (Schwer) Zack; his three children: Doreen Alloway and husband Norm of Shallotte, NC, Sandy Hirtle and husband Norman of Westminster, MD, and Edward Zack Jr. and wife Cathy of Pittsburgh, PA; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ed graduated from Windber High School in 1951. He enrolled in Pennsylvania State University (University Park) after high school and attended for two years before putting his studies on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1953 when he was 19 years old.

Ed was a Korean War era Veteran, serving active duty (Regular Army) in U.S. Army’s Army Security Agency for 3 years (1 year 4 months overseas in Korea and Japan) and 5 years in the Army Reserve. Ed attended the Security Agency Training Center and School at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. His fondest memories of his time at Fort Devens were when he could attend major league baseball games at Fenway Park in Boston, especially when his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, played there against the Boston Red Sox.

After completing his three-year enlistment and being honorably discharged from active duty in 1956, Ed worked as a lifeguard at the Windber Recreation Park until he resumed his studies in the fall at Penn State. During this time in Windber, he was reacquainted with another lifeguard, his future wife, Doris Schwer. The Zack and Schwer families often gathered at the Larson “Camp” when Ed and Doris were children. Their families gathered again on July 5, 1957 to celebrate their marriage at the Lutheran Student Center at Penn State, University Park.

Ed resumed his studies and graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the College of Mineral Industries. Ed loved Penn State football and loved attending the games.

Ed was an Eagle Scout and was very proud of his son and four grandsons for also being Eagle Scouts. He worked as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America for 25 years.

Ed spent much of his free time in the outdoors. He and his young family enjoyed day hiking and camping and traveled to many different outdoor adventure destinations such as Expo 67 in Montreal, Geneva On The Lake in Ohio, Hatteras National Seashore in NC, Virginia Beach, and Skyline Drive/Shenandoah National Park.

In his later years, watching sports was Ed’s “work” and he always enjoyed watching any Pittsburgh teams, Penn State football, the Carolina Panthers, and the NBA. Ed’s passion for sports began when he was a young boy, when he listened to Rosey Roswell and Bob Prince broadcasting Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games on KDKA radio. At age 12, Ed was known to travel solo on more than one occasion from Windber to Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, via several buses and the train, to watch his Pittsburgh Pirates play in person. He would stay with relatives in Millvale overnight and return home to Windber the next day.

Ed had a quick wit and was loved by many. He loved gathering with his family, including the annual “Beach Week” at Holden Beach, NC, where the family has been going for over 30 years.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00pm on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at St. Luke Lutheran Church. A Funeral Service will follow at 3:00pm at St. Luke Lutheran Church, located at 5869 Ocean Highway West, Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shallottefunerals.com for the Zack family.

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel.