ATHENS- Richard Lewis Zoulek was born to Perry and Sarah (Corey) Zoulek on October 15, 1927 in Traverse City Michigan where he grew up. Richard lovingly passed December 20, 2023 at his home after a long, wonderful life. He met his true love, Pauline E. Buchan. They were married 71 years and had 9 children, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.
The children: Connie Bahn (deceased), Karen (Rainer- deceased) Steinhoff of Parker Colorado, Rita (Michael- deceased) Lewin of Athens, Carla (Carl) Rosler of Athens, Dennis (Vickie Comer) Zoulek of Morango Ohio, Mark (Debbie Ledford) Zoulek of Columbus Ohio, Pamela Zoulek of Marietta Ohio, Brian (Sandy Miller) Zoulek of Athens, Renee (Rick) Fuller of Naples Florida.
Richard served his country for 23 years. He was in the Navy and then the Air Force from the end of World War II, through the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. During his service he flew to every continent except Australia. He was a member of the Albany VFW Post 9893.
Richard had a special intuition (or guarding angel) that served him well all his life. While in Vietnam he would be in the bunker before the sirens went off signaling enemy fire. At home, he once woke up and knew he had a chimney fire. Another time he woke up in the basement and found the furnace pipe leaking carbon monoxide in the house thus saving his family.
After retiring from the military, the family settled in Athens Ohio in 1969. He worked at Ohio University in the avionic research department for 23 years. He was known at the airport as “Big Z”. The Zoulek’s have been members of the Catholic community since they arrived in Athens. Richard was a 4th degree knight in the Knight of Columbus and at one time he served as Grand Knight.
He was preceded in death by his parents, several siblings, his wife, 2 sons in-law, one daughter and one grandson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Dec. 26th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Mill and College Streets, Athens, with Father Mark Moore as celebrant. Visitation will be Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Jagers and Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted at the cemetery by VFW Post 9893. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Shriver’s Hospice, 601 Underwood Steet, Zanesville, Ohio 43701. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
