It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Eric “Z” Zarko on September 6th, 2024.
Eric Lee Zarko was born on October 8th, 1954, to Parents Edward J. and Aneline (Rabeneck) Zarko in St. Louis, MO. Z spent the majority of his life thriving in the deep south working for AT&T with a specialty in fiber optic cable. He retired with them after 36 years.
Z was a family man and friend to all. He is survived by Sharon, his partner and Love. Family; Laura and Tim (Mina and Rex), Eric and Ashley (Trey and Ava), Scott (Atticus and Grace), Lacey and Toby (Alex, Phoenix, and Rylee); and close personal friends Rose and Chuck.
A true southern transplant, Z brought his charm to Lincoln, NE in 2015 to surround himself with his loved ones.
There wasn’t anyone that Z crossed paths with that had a bad word to say about him. He showed kindness in everything he did and people were better for knowing him. He loved everyone, especially if you shared his passion for his beloved LSU Tigers. If you let him, he would talk your ear off about anything related to the Tigers.
If there was a crawfish boil or a platter of raw oysters, Z would be there. Teaching the proper technique on how to properly eat them. He was the life of every family gathering with his storytelling and sense of humor. We cherish the time we had with Z, and he will truly be missed.
As we honor Z’s life, may we strive to embody the kindness he showed every day, the passion he showed for the things he loved, and the love he shared so freely with everyone he met.
The world is better for having had him in it and the memories created with him hold a special place in our hearts.
We say goodbye with heavy hearts, but will always be reminded of his legacy when we hear an enthusiastic “GEAUX TIGERS”. Rest in Peace Z.
4 thoughts on “Eric Lee Zarko”
Oh Z! To see your smiling face in photo instead of in person makes me so very sad. I wish Mike and I had stayed close as we so enjoyed being near you. My heart hurts for Sharon and all your family and then the fur babies. Breathe easy now and rest in peace my friend. Know we will try to look after your life love, Sharon. ❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔
Truer words could not be said about Z. He was polite, kind and always thinking of others. I cannot remember a time when he would come to our house and not have a gift of some sort for us. If something was amiss in our lives, Z would usually be the first one to reach out and make sure we were okay. And oh yes, he loved those LSU Tigers. I don’t think I ever saw him when he wasn’t wearing clothing that wasn’t LSU related. Our world lost a good man. Though we are all hurting, I take comfort in knowing that his suffering is over. We love and miss you Z. Thank you for being part of our lives. You’ll always be with us.
I ran into Z several times when I used to take Lucky to the dog park. He always was so kind and friendly and I knew he was passionate about LSU! And yes he cook those southern dishes I remember one on the 4th of July with bacon and maybe kale it was scrumptious and he was trying to tell me how to make it like I would remember but never forgot that incredible taste! He touched all our lives and my heart goes out to Sharon and all your family! Memories are everything and I’m sure you all have enough to fill a book💖
Well said and so very true. A true southern gentleman who never met a stranger. Z loved with his whole heart and never showed up to any social gathering or holiday empty handed. His love for Sharon was very apparent every time he looked at her. His grandchildren were his most precious ones and he was always there for them. ZZ rest in peace until we meet again. We love you and miss you very deeply!! ❤️🩹