January 7, 2026: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Brother, Victor Ray Zack, Jr. Victor was a devoted member of Crawford Lodge #234 and the Erie Scottish Rite Consistory. Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences are extended to his family.
Victor R. Zack, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026 in Loveland, OH. Prior to that he was a longtime resident of Naples, FL. He was preceded in death by his partner of more than 14 years, Jane (Latz) Thornton, who was also his high school sweetheart.
Victor is survived by his three sons: V. Randal and his wife Julia of Fogelsville, PA and their three children, Ashlynn, Alyssa and Randal J.; David and his wife Carla of Loveland, OH and their daughter Victoria; Douglas and his wife Elizabeth of Canton, MA and their three children Erin, Charlie and Trevor. He leaves behind his sister Penelope (Zack) Riggs of Warminster, PA.
Victor graduated from Windber (PA) high school Class of 1950 where he was President of the Student Government, Vice president of his Class and was a two-year letter winner in basketball and baseball.
He attended Johnstown College of the University of Pittsburgh where he was Captain of the basketball team and sports editor of the student newspaper. Upon transferring to the main Campus in Pittsburgh, Victor became a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, was elected President for the 1954-55 school year and had the lead role in the Spring Carnival original production of “Come to New Orleans for your Holiday”. Victor earned his B.S. in 1955 and his M.S. in Zoology in 1956. During his graduate studies he was employed by Dr. Jonas Salk as a laboratory assistant while the Polio Vaccine was being developed.
Victor worked at Allegheny College, Meadville, PA as Dean of Admissions for 15 years and as Vice President for Institutional Advancement for 9 years. He then served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Widener University, Chester, PA, at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA, and at University of Maryland Center for Environmental and Estuarine Studies, Cambridge, MD. In each community he was active in civic affairs and state and national professional organizations.
Victor was President of The Spencer Hospital Board of Trustees (Meadville) for 7 years and subsequently Chairman of the Board of Incorporators. He was Secretary and Treasurer of the Country Club of Meadville, President of Phi Delta Theta Educational Foundation, Treasurer of Chamber of Commerce, Regional Director of the Comprehensive Health Planning Council, Trustee of Community Services of PA, member of the Board of Directors of United Way, and a member of F. and A.M. 32nd Degree, Crawford Lodge 234.
He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves from April 1959 until his Honorable Discharge in March 1966.
Victor often said that while he did not live in the past, he always appreciated where he had come from and where he had been. His heritage and his youthful days were important aspects of his life.
Family will receive friends on Saturday January 17th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral service at Meek & Dalla Valle Funeral Home of Windber. Interment to follow with military honors by Windber VFW at Richland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Scholarship Fund – University of Pittsburgh Johnstown.