Edward A. Zacharias

ZACHARIAS, Edward A., 81, son of Edward Max and Agnes Knightly Zacharias, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. He was born July 28, 1927 in Richmond. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Mary Burke Zacharias; his sisters, Mary Zacharias, Ann Zacharias and Betty Boyle; and his brother, Bill Zacharias. He is survived by his sons, Edward D. Zacharias of Mechanicsville, William B. Zacharias and his wife, Marie, of Richmond, and John F. Zacharias and his wife, Lara, of Glen Allen; daughter, Mary Ellen Yates and her husband, Scott, of Mechanicsville; his sisters, Ellen Vick, Nonie Kusterer, Jean Vest and Jo Monticelli; 11 grandchildren, Ben, Sara, Daniel, Tony, Michael, Alison, Zachary, Winston, Graham, George and Sally. After graduating from John Marshall High School, Ed joined the U.S. Army in 1947 and was stationed in California. After an honorable discharge, he attended the University of Richmond, where he played football and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. During this time, Ed met the love of his life, Mary Burke Donald. After a long courtship which included many nights star gazing on the top of Mary's home on Davis Avenue, they were married in July 1955. After working several years for Sinclair Oil Company, Ed and his brother, Bill, who was working for General Tire Company, started Capitol Oil Company in 1963. Eventually Ed and Bill ventured into real estate, building and purchasing apartments in the Richmond area. All of this was done with the support and patience of their wives, Mary and Bookie. Capitol Oil Company and Zacharias Brothers Real Estate, now being run by their children, are still going strong today. Ed's enjoyments included working out and playing handball at the downtown YMCA, fishing in the Chesapeake and spending time with his Mary at their ancestral home "Riverlawn" in Mathews County. Family will receive friends Friday, 4 to 7 p.m., at Bliley's-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12 noon Saturday at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 909 Rennie Ave., Richmond Va. 23227. After interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, a celebration of Ed's life and passing will be held at his home in Hanover County. We ask that participants wear something red in honor of Ed's favorite color and his passing into a new life during this season of Christ's birth. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the YMCA Bright Beginnings Program, Junior League of Richmond, 205 W. Franklin St., Richmond Va. 23220.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.