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ALEXANDER "ALEX" ZYCH

1926 - 2014

ALEXANDER "ALEX" ZYCH obituary, 1926-2014, Lenexa, MO

BORN

1926

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

ALEXANDER ZYCH Obituary

Alexander "Alex" Zych, 87, Overland Park, KS, died Monday, July 14, 2014 at the University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, MO. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3024 N. 53rd St. Kansas City, KS, where the visitation will be from 9:00-11:00. The family requests donations in memory of Mr. Zych, be made to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, 9221 Ward Parkway, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114. Alex was born September 12, 1926, in Kansas City, KS, the son of Alexander and Josephine (Korona) Zych. Alex attended Wyandotte High School where he was a celebrated 3- sport athlete. At the age of 17, Alex signed with the New York Yankees and spent nine years in the minor leagues. In 1948, he married his wife, Jackie, and they had three children. He spent several years officiating basketball and football at both the high school and college levels. Alex returned to his love of baseball in 1963 when he joined the staff of the Kansas City Athletics. Alex served as the equipment manager for the Kansas City and Oakland Athletics before settling in Kansas City as the long time equipment manager for the Kansas City Royals where he was better known as "Al." Alex enjoyed fishing, golfing and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks. He was a humble man and a devout Catholic who loved the Lord. Alex Zych touched many lives with his kind and gentle spirit and he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Alex is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Jacqueline Zych, his brother Walter Zych, and his grandson Jason Zych. He is survived by his children, Joyce (John) Burns, Olathe, KS, Patrick (Jeanne) Zych, Tampa, FL, Matthew Zych, Lee's Summit, MO, his brother, John Zych (Mary Jane), his grandchildren, John, Michele, David (Becca), and Elissa as well as his great-grandchildren Tyson, Tatum, Cade and Jacqueline. Alex also leaves behind several beloved nieces, nephews and close friends.(Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444) Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jul. 17, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Woody Hanson

November 22, 2024

I worked for Al Zych in the clubhouse of the Kansas City Royals during spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, for four seasons, 1969-1972. Al was a kind and caring man who was thoughtful and generous. He was very kind to me and played a pivotal role in the successes I enjoyed later in life working with my father in the real estate appraisal business. The Kansas City Royals clubhouse was a magical place. My best to the family and hope that each of you are well and doing fine.

Sue Thompson

July 11, 2019

As another anniversary of Al's death approaches, I know the freshness of grief will overwhelm you for a time. Al was such a fine man and I know you miss him. I still remember how patient he was with Scott and Brian at spring training. I always sat in the sun close to the runway to the dugout so hopefully I could monitor the boys behavior. Al told me to go sit in the shade but most of the time I stayed put. He never put them out of the clubhouse--surprisingly. Am sure he wanted to on occasion, but he never did. What wonderful memories they have--playing catch with George Brett and Frank White and getting to be bat boy one day. All thanks to your wonderful Dad.
And he was a great Dotte!

C.C. & Corrine Warlop

August 24, 2014

Joyce, John ,and entire Zych family, C.C. and I were so sorry to learn of your father's death. You are in our prayers. What fond memories you all have been left with. We are sorry we were not in town when this happened and just heard of his accident. God Bless him and keep him and may he rest in peace.

Don Welter

August 10, 2014

A tremendous loss for the Zych family. Al was a fun loving and generous man. He gave so much to all of us and his sense of humor was one of his best traits.
For Matt, my condolences my friend and when I'm back in town I'll be sure to come by and see you, it's been too long.
Take care and God bless all of you.

Frances Carpenter

July 24, 2014

Matt, Pat, Joyce and John;
I can only add my heartfelt condolences to the long list of people Alex touched. Memories; of course with Jackie in the office; tickets for the Mike and Paul to the world series championship game!,refereeing with Paul on the bench. I think they are again overseeing us all...
Frances Carpenter and Family

Scott Thompson

July 22, 2014

Al was a true gentleman and a very respectable man. He made me feel a part of the team during my childhood days as a bat boy for the Royals at spring training in 1984-85. Would have never thought that would be a World Series winning year. I have met almost all of the Zych family and all of them carry his class and style. I wish all of you my condolences. Al was a blessed man, an exceptional athlete, and most of all a great man of character...you have a lot to be proud of.
God Bless you AL !! My dearly departed Dad, Chuck Thompson, is waiting for you with a beer and a baseball.

Sue Thompson

July 21, 2014

John & Joyce,
My sincere condolences for your loss. Alex was so kind and generous to my boys Scott & Brian when we used to go to spring training in Ft. Myers. I remember the first time he let them in the clubhouse. Scott came out so excited saying, "Mom, Al said we could have whatever we wanted and there are cases and cases of gum and chewing tobacco". I made it clear that Mom rules what they could help themselves to. He was so patient with them and one day set it up for Scott to be bat boy for a game. What a thrill for those kids. And the biggest kid of all--Chuck had the run of the clubhouse too. He thought he was real big time.

Pat and Gary Gaunce

July 21, 2014

Joyce and John...out of town and just learned of your loss. What a great man and a legacy for all of us who were touched by his accomplishments. God bless your family.

July 20, 2014

Joyce and John- Mr. Zych was a wonderful gentleman. I know that you will all miss him greatly. Love to you and to the whole family! Joe and Debbie Herron McArdle

UNCLE ALEX was very SPECIAL to our family. We will miss him dearly but treasure his memories. We LOVED him dearly. John&MaryJane Zych & Family

Zych Family

July 20, 2014

July 19, 2014

*never. Not ever

Michael Koontz

July 18, 2014

Al was a great man and teacher. When I was 15 he would come to our practices and help coach Baseball. I was a less than average baseball player. For some reason he took an interest in teaching me everything about infield and baseball. To this day I really don't know why. It was just his love of the game and people. He was patient, smart and caring. After his coaching for a couple of years I went on to play at a higher level and to this day still Play softball at 60.
Two years ago I saw Alex at dinner but elected not to stop at his table and tell him just what he meant to me in my life and how I appreciated his friendship. I didn't want to bother him at dinner. To this day I regret it.
He was a wonderful man that impacted my life tremendously. I will never forget him. I hope they know what their getting on the team upstairs.

Pat and Teresa doherty

July 18, 2014

Joyce and John, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family,.
Pat and Teresa Doherty

Agnes Pavicic

July 18, 2014

Farewell to a great gentleman who would always greet you with a cheerful smile. Loved to watch him play basketball at Wyandotte High School. My sincere condolences to his beautiful family.

Marie-Therese Baker

July 18, 2014

Joyce, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Michael Bush

July 17, 2014

Matt, Pat, Joyce and Zych family, our thoughts and prayers are with you on the loss of Alex. George Brett once joked Alex about his old station wagon, but as a neighbor, us kids couldn't wait to see Alex coming up the road in that wagon. I can't put into words the great times spent with your dad and how gracious a man he was. Rest in peace Alex Zych.

Ken Harvey

July 17, 2014

Our prayers are with all the Zych family in the loss of this truly generous man. So many fond memories of stories Mr Zych would tell about his experiences in baseball are forever etched in our minds!
God Bless Mr Zych!

July 17, 2014

Sorry we can't be at the funeral because of dialysis. Our sympathy is with you. We will miss him greatly.
Al and Rosemary Placke

Uncle Alex on his wedding day.

Lori Winzer

July 17, 2014

First communion for Uncle Alex, with brothers John and Walt

Lori Winzer

July 17, 2014

Brothers Alex & John

Lori Winzer

July 17, 2014

The Sloan Family

July 17, 2014

The world has lost one of the all time best, but we've all gained the greatest guardian angel ever!!! We are so blessed to love you all!!!! Thanks for sharing his remarkable spirit and joy with us … you ALL are forever in our hearts and prayers!!! God Bless You!!!!

Lori Rone

July 17, 2014

Alex was certainly one of a kind! Every time I think of him I smile, such a kind spirit! He was loved so much and gave so much love to his family and friends. He certainly has a very special place in my heart. Heaven has indeed gained an angel! Thoughts and prayers are with all of you!!

July 17, 2014

So sorry to hear this, Joyce. Will keep you and your family in my prayers. Ann (Pretz) Faison

Clint Hurdle

July 17, 2014

The Hurdle family prayer is for God to wrap His arms around you all in this challenging time.
Al was a very calming influence for me early in my career. A voice of reason and part time mentor that told me what I needed to hear not what I wanted to hear. He was the right man in the right spot to make a difference in the lives of many.
Love
Clint Hurdle

Mike Hamilton

July 17, 2014

What a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Zych family. RIP Alex.

July 17, 2014

Deepest sympathy to all the Zych family.
God bless. Janet & Gregg Creten

Eddie and Susie Nelson

July 17, 2014

Joyce, John, Matt and the entire Zych Family,
Remember during this difficult time, death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Dennis Dumovich

July 17, 2014

What a great man that raised a great family! The Dumovich family sends our condolences. We ask that you watch over us from heaven Alex & Jackie!

GEORGE STARK

July 17, 2014

ZYCH FAMILY,MY CONDOLENCE ON THE LOSS OF ALEX;A DEAR FRIEND AND CLASSMATE AT WYANDOTTE HIGH,WE AT THE LAKE WILL MISS OUR TIMES TOGETHER.GEORGE&JEAN STARK

July 17, 2014

ZYCH FAMILY,OUR CONDOLENCEBE WITH YOU,MY CLASS MATE AND FRIEND,OUR VISITS AT THE LAKE WILL END BUT NOT FORGOTTON,WE AS ALL WILL MISS HIM DEARLY GEORGE-JEAN STARK

Matt Palcher

July 17, 2014

Sorry to hear this! He was indeed a great man. You all are in my prayers.

July 17, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Larry and Kathy Overcash Favrow.

July 17, 2014

Linda Conley

July 17, 2014

My deepest sympathy to you Joyce and your Family on the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Terry Hanson

July 17, 2014

Met Al when he was refereeing basketball in Atchison at St Benedict's (Benedictine College) many years ago. When I coached baseball there, many bushels of baseballs, after Royals threw them out after BP, ended up on our fields and we really needed them. A wonderful man who will be missed. RIP, Friend.

Jim & Susan Waldeck

July 17, 2014

Our thoughts and prrayers go out to the entire Zych Family. God Bless.

Uncle Alex and nephew Rick Zych, 2014

Rick and Laura Zych

July 17, 2014

Uncle Alex and brother John, 2 great buddies, 2014

Rick and Laura Zych

July 17, 2014

Uncle Alex, John and Mary Jane Zych, 2014

Rick and Laura Zych

July 17, 2014

July 17, 2014

My late husband, John Vassar, considered Alex a great friend. I know many in the baseball world will be saddened by his passing. God bless his family. Marian Vassar

July 17, 2014

Joyce and John,
It was great to get to know Alex as our neighbor. He was always happy. God has another angel now and he is with loves ones.
God bless your family and our prays are with you now.
Gary and Bonnie

July 17, 2014

July 17, 2014

July 16, 2014

Joyce,

So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear dad. You did an amazing job caring & loving him following your mom's death. You're in our thoughts & prayers.

Sincerely,

Paul & Erin

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Memorial Events
for ALEXANDER ZYCH

Jul

19

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Christ the King Catholic Church

3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, KS

Jul

19

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Christ the King Catholic Church

3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, KS

Funeral services provided by:

Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory - Lenexa

8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215

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