Thomas Paul Zachar

Born as Tamás Zahár on August 11, 1947, in Wörgl, Tyrol, Austria, Thomas was a Hungarian citizen by birth and the son of Hungarian parents, Pál Zahár and Erzsébet Matkocsik Zahár, who had been displaced by the aftermath of World War II. He immigrated with his family to the United States through Ellis Island, then onto Ohio where they began a new life in America. As they built that new life, the family’s names were gradually anglicized, but they never lost pride in their Hungarian heritage.

As a young man, Thomas chose to enlist in the United States Navy. From 1966 to 1970, he was an Airman aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), alongside his brother, István (Steve), two proud Hungarian brothers serving the United States together. On the carrier’s flight deck, he participated in her Vietnam War combat deployment and her Mediterranean tours with the U.S. Sixth Fleet, sailing from the Caribbean to the Cape of Good Hope, from the Gulf of Tonkin to the ports of Italy, Greece, and Turkey. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

After his Navy service, Thomas built his life around the people he loved most. He married his beloved Connie in 1971, and together they raised their two daughters, Colleen and Eileen. He cherished his family above all else as a devoted husband, a loving father, and in time, a proud grandfather and great grandfather. The home he made with Connie was the center of his world.

Thomas brought the same dedication to his professional life. For 27 years, he worked in commercial construction, leading crews for respected construction companies and helping build lasting structures in the communities around him. He was deeply respected by those who worked alongside him for his dedication, craftsmanship, and leadership.

Alongside his career in commercial construction, Thomas established himself as an accomplished AKC Registered All-Breed Professional Handler. Throughout his career, he recognized exceptional potential in dogs, campaigned many to become the nation’s top winners, finished countless champions, and earned multiple Best in Show victories, including wins at several of the country’s most prestigious dog shows. Among his many accomplishments was winning Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with several breeds, one of the highest honors in the sport. His knowledge, skill, and deep bond with the dogs he handled earned him the respect and admiration of exhibitors, breeders, competitors, and friends throughout the dog show community.

Thomas was welcomed home in heaven by his father, Pál Zahár; his mother, Erzsébet Matkocsik Zahár; and his parents-in-law, Charles and Patricia.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Connie; his daughters, Eileen and Colleen and her husband Bill; his cherished granddaughter, Isabella; along with his other beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his siblings, István (Steve), Erzsébet (Liz), Irén (Irene), and Judit (Judi); along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who all loved him dearly.

Thomas will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his remarkable accomplishments, and the kindness and integrity that defined his life. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.