It is with great sadness that the family of Zachary John Garr announces his peaceful passing on June 3 surrounded by his loving family. A Colchester resident for the past 60 years, he was born on April 20, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Anna (Litwin) and Zachary Garr.  Zachary and his late wife Nancy Lee (Tarnowski) shared more than 56 years of marriage until her passing on June 24, 2024.

Zachary graduated from St. Francis Preparatory School (Brooklyn) in 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving six years. He then settled in Salem and Colchester where he met Nancy.  They were married in 1967 and made their home in Colchester with their children Tammy & Kenneth. Zach’s primary job was with the State of Connecticut DOT, retiring in 1997 as a supervisor helping to keep the area roads safe in winter storms. Zach was a proud, active member of the St. Joseph’s Polish Club and until his passing was the longest active member (60 years). He was also a member of St. Andrew’s Church.

Zach’s second profession was a softball umpire. In addition to the high school level, he umpired D1, D2, D3 collegiate softball in six conferences, including the Big East, the Ivy League, the Patriot League, and the Northeast 10 for more than 30 years. He was inducted into the Willi-MAC Hall of Fame in Willimantic, CT; the Connecticut ASA (now USA Softball) Hall of Fame; and the Connecticut Scholastic Fastpitch Hall of Fame. Zach was the founder of the Softball Umpires Association of Northeastern Connecticut.

Zach and Nancy enjoyed more than 30 Caribbean cruises with family and friends. An avid sports fan, the most important teams were those of his five granddaughters whom he adored immeasurably. From youth sports to high school championships and most recently collegiate soccer, Zach followed their progress (athletically and academically) if not able to attend in person.

Zach, a devoted father, is survived by his daughter Tammy Donovan and her husband Dan of Millis, MA; and his son Kenneth Garr of Barkhamsted, CT.  The light of his life the past 24 years has been his five granddaughters Riley Donovan, Madison Donovan, Rowan Garr, Sequoia Garr, and Cedar Garr. Zach leaves his sister Margaret Lavezzoli and her husband Frank of Sarasota, FL; his brothers-in-law Anthony Tarnowski and his wife Kathy of Colchester, Arthur Tarnowski and his wife Beverly of Colchester, and Joe Tarnowski of Richmond, VA; and sister-in-law Lucille Culhane and her husband Gary of Parker, CO. He is predeceased by his brothers Robert and Edward.  Zachary also leaves several nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Calling hours will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home 167 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester, CT. A Memorial Mass will follow at the St. Andrew Church, 128 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, CT at 12 PM. Burial will take place in the Linwood Cemetery in town.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Connecticut Dept. of Veterans Affairs, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, Attn: Lindsay Jesshop, Community Outreach.  Checks payable to Connecticut Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Please specify Facility Fund/Quality of Life Improvements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Zachary John Garr, please visit our floral store.