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Zachary Kratochvil
Zachary Kratochvil
Obituary
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Zachary Kratochvil Obituary
Zachary B. Kratochvil
(October 14, 1994 – April 23, 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved husband, brother and son, Zachary B. Kratochvil (Zach). Born on October 14, 1994 in Brooklyn, New York, he passed away on April 23, 2025 in Medford, Massachusetts. He is survived by the love of his life -- wife Allison Faraclas -- and his beloved sister Leah Kratochvil, parents Nancy Barr and Thomas Kratochvil, grandparents Marie Kratochvil, and Judith and Stephen Stapholz, as well as his numerous devoted aunts, uncles, cousins, other close family members, in-laws and friends who loved Zach as did most who met him. Grandparents Francis Kratochvil and Louis Barr predeceased Zach.
Zach was a deeply sensitive, kind, loving, empathetic and thoughtful person who looked for good in others and the world; he was appreciated even by strangers for this. Zach was naturally curious and frequently sought to engage in deep intellectual discussions on meaningful topics such as spirituality. He was passionate about social justice, equity and de-stigmatizing mental illness. Zach was devoted to his loved ones, always willing to prioritize others' needs above his own. He was a thoughtful, patient teacher and mentor to many. In addition to these many serious qualities, Zach had a great sense of humor, was fun-loving and was even quite silly at times.
From an early age, Zach had many diverse interests, most of which continued throughout his life. These included: quality time with family and friends, electric trains and other animated toys, the outdoors, hiking, skiing, running (including cross country in middle and high school), live music, board and computer games, crossword puzzles, chocolate, science (especially neuroscience and psychology), math, Tae Kwon Do (earned his blackbelt), volunteerism (developed HS volunteer tracking program), computers and programming, Ogunquit, Maine and dancing (he was quick to get up on any dance floor he encountered).
Zach found joy in many more things as he grew: more dear friends (from all aspects of his life), swimming, cycling, triathlon, rock climbing, kayaking, strategic board games (including Terraforming Mars), pets Bailey and Blueberry and robotics projects.
Zach's love for science and research brought him to Dr. Hal Blumenfeld's Neurology Lab at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut while still in high school. Zach was excited to be invited to return to the Lab after earning dual degrees -- Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences and Bachelor of Engineering – and a Neuroscience Minor from Dartmouth College. Subsequently, Zach refocused his professional aspirations and became a Software Engineer following his graduation from Tufts University with a Masters of Science in Data Science.
In 2019, during his time in New Haven, Zach met Allison. Their connection was immediate and enduring. They quickly became the closest of friends and committed life partners, marrying in May 2024. Zach's joy on that occasion was obvious. He and Allison being able to share their wedding weekend with so many loved ones was a blessing that will be with us always.
A Memorial Service & Celebration of Life for Zach will be held on Sunday May 4, 2025 at ""The Estate,"" 709 Townsend Ave, New Haven, CT
12:00pm Gathering
~12:15pm Formal service & Reflections by Immediate Family
~1:30pm Reflections by Other Family & Friends
~3:00pm Informal visiting among Zach's loved ones
4:00pm Conclusion
There will be brief breaks and food available.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Zach's name to:
• The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention – supporting.afsp.org
o (click ""Memorial/Tribute Giving"" link then ""Memorial Gift"" link);
• National Alliance on Mental Illness -- nami.org
o (click orange-colored ""Donate"" link); and
• Telling My Story -- tellingmystory.org/support
o Telling My Story (TMS) is a non-profit organization founded by Dartmouth adjunct professor Pati Hernandez. Zach took a class with Pati while at Dartmouth that resonated with him and Zach stayed in touch with Pati and continued to believe in and support the TMS mission throughout his life.
For those looking to celebrate Zach's life and memory in a more personal way, we would ask that you perform an act of kindness in his honor.
Please note that this is the end of Zach's obituary. Anything which follows is an advertisement by legacy.com or its partners.
77 Entries
Nikta Daijavad
June 23, 2025
A few days ago, I found myself wondering what Zach had been up to in recent years. I googled him to see where in the world he might be, hoping to find news of his adventures and his accomplishments - and I was heartbroken to come across this page.
I have so many fond memories of Zach from middle school and high school and beyond. Many of them bring to mind how kind he was, how curious he was, and how thoughtful he was - and in almost every one of them, I remember him laughing. He was a source of so much good, and I feel so sorry to have lost touch with him in the past few years.
My thoughts are with your family, and I am so sorry for your loss.
Andrea
May 13, 2025
Zach´s thoughtfulness, inclusivity, and sense of humor have stayed with me over the years. He will always hold a special place in my memories of college. My heart goes out to everyone who is grieving.
Shreya Indukuri
May 13, 2025
Zach was one of my first friends at Dartmouth, we met the first week of freshman fall. While I moved to the west coast after graduation and we lost touch, I am so shocked and deeply saddened to hear this news. Zach was such a bright light and friendly presence. Sending all my love to his family.
Trudy Sorkin
May 12, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom and Leah and entire Family;
Zachary will always be thought of by all who knew him with warmth, brightness and love. To us he will always be Amanda's sweet colleague.
I recall how he and I had a lovely time chatting about Holland after his stay there.
He will be with you all in golden sunshine, crisp autumn skies and cornflake leaves, gentle spring breezes and blossoms, fluffy winter snowflakes, ever part of your every day - music, delicious food, funny stories, art, good movies, intelligence. Zachary led by example of good and kind.
With wishes of ease and comfort each day, Trudy and Lou and Amanda
How you can show support
May 12, 2025
Dear Zach - your kindness and positivity have stuck with me all these years. Thank you for being so warm and welcoming during our time at Dartmouth. You will be deeply missed, but I will always remember your amazing smile and the laughs we shared. My thoughts are with your loved ones.
Emory Orr
May 11, 2025
Zach, I will always look back fondly on the memories that you, me, and Dave enjoyed as roommates together freshmen year. Your kindness and positivity were felt by all on Morton 3. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Noah Goldman
May 8, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to Zach's entire family during this extremely difficult and tragic time.
Spending the most formative years of your life within the same small community has the unique impact of making your peers feel like family - whether you speak to them regularly or it has been years, the connection persists regardless. As such, it was particularly difficult to hear about Zach's passing. While I had lost touch with Zach in recent years, I have very fond memories of his intellect, sense of humor, and overall amazing attitude that will never be forgotten. May his memory be a blessing.
Sandy Neddermeyer Little
May 8, 2025
Nancy and Tom:
I cannot begin to express my sadness for your loss. May you find peace as time goes on. I am beyond sorry that his life took this turn and hope you can find joy in the memories you shared. Love you to you and your family. Sandy Little
Lori and Bruce Greenbaum
May 8, 2025
Dear Nancy, Leah and Tom,
We are sending our deepest condolences to you at this incredibly difficult unfathomable time. Your Rye Brook friends are sending much love and strength.
Lori, Bruce, Emma & Darah Greenbaum
JS
May 7, 2025
Much love from a Taekwondo friend <3
Raj Verma
May 7, 2025
To the Stapholz family, I am so sorry for your deep loss. Please know that you are surrounded by love and support always.
Debbie Shiffman
May 6, 2025
Dear Nancy, Leah, Tom, and family,
We are so terribly sorry for your loss. May Zachary's memory be a blessing and may you find comfort in one another during this difficult time. Sending our deepest condolences to all of you.
Marguerite Beaser
May 6, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom and family,
Sending our deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. Though I never met your son, I feel a deep connection to family, having met you, Judy and Barbara at our reunion in 2016. I just can't imagine the pain you are going through.
With love,
Marguerite
Jeanne Marie castano
May 5, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom and Leah, I can´t imagine all the pain that you are all feeling right now. May you all find the strength to carry on and to remember all the good times you had with Zach. For what I´m reading about him, he was an extremely special person. May God Bless you all during this extremely difficult time..
Love, Jeanne Marie Mac
Janet Cohen Sorrentino
May 5, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom & family,
I was deeply saddened to learn about your precious Zachary. Though it´s been many years since WMHS, I remember you both so well and this hit me hard. Your loss is unimaginable. Please know that you are in my thoughts and I am holding you in my heart. Janet Cohen Sorrentino
Marie Considine
May 5, 2025
Dear Nancy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Zachary's passing. Please know that I and all at NAMI Westchester are here for you, today and always. Call and lean on us anytime; you are absolutely not alone. Warmly, Marie Considine, www.namiwestchester.org
Marcie Brasier
May 5, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom and family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son.
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort.
Love,
Marcie (Benjamin) Brasier
Alison Nevin Sheahan
May 5, 2025
Dear Nancy & Tom, I am holding you & yours in my heart, now breaking for the loss of your sweet son. May you be surrounded by the love & strength of your family, friends and faith. My deepest condolences, Ali Nevin Sheahan
Meena Khandelwal and Peter Blanchard
May 5, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom, Leah and family,
Though we did not have the good fortune to meet Zach, his obituary is a testament to the joy he brought to so many. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Meena and Peter
Kate Bullion
May 5, 2025
Zach was a beautiful human being. He was such a light in my life at Dartmouth, and I know the same is true for so many others. Especially when I was going through some really hard times in those years, he was such a bright spot. He will be remembered with lots of love and smiles by myself and sooo many others. (Here's a really old photo from 2015 from a happy and snowy day at Dartmouth!) Condolences and thoughts to all of Zach's loved ones.
Gerard McKnight
May 5, 2025
Tom and Nancy,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. I know nothing can assuage your grief at this time but seeing these messages about his wonderful life it would seem to me he touched so many in a positive and loving manner. May God's grace bring healing and love to his wife and to your family during this time.
Gerard and Jill McKnight.
Robert Tardio
May 4, 2025
Nancy, Tom and Leah. Sharon and I were stunned and deeply saddened to see this posting on FB. We are so sorry for the passing of Zach. Please know that we are holding you in our hearts and praying for you all. Hold each other and know that we are thinking of you.
Love
Bob and Sharon Tardio
Kevin and Geraldine Treacy
May 4, 2025
Tom and Nancy,
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for Zachs´s passing. Thankfully empathy does. Feeling your pain.
Kevin and Geraldine Treacy.
Sandra Scarpati and family
May 4, 2025
Dear Nancy, Thomas, Leah, Allison and Family,
I cannot find the right words to tell you how deeply sorry I am for your loss and for the pain you're going through, but I'm praying to God to give you strength.
I hope you can find comfort in knowing how many people loved Zach and were touched by his sweet soul.
Hanna Whitehouse
May 3, 2025
Zach was such a kind person and a great mentor. I am so sorry for your loss.
Leslie Chervokas
May 3, 2025
Dear Nancy, Jason and I are so deeply sorry for your loss, and send much love to you and your family.
Peter Clarke
May 3, 2025
I´m so sorry to hear about Zach´s passing. We were friends in New Haven and enjoyed climbing together. He was always a kind and bright person to be around.
Ela Salardini
May 3, 2025
Ela Salardini
May 3, 2025
Zach, I´m going to miss you deeply. You were so kind to me when I first moved to the U.S., to New Haven, and to Yale. Your natural empathy and warmth made it easy for us to become friends, and I´ll always remember your contagious, one-of-a-kind laugh.
I remember how happy you were when you started dating Allison-it was beautiful to witness. I´m heartbroken that you´re no longer here, and I hope you´ve found peace. Maybe one day, somehow, we´ll cross paths again.
My heartfelt condolences to Allison and your family. I´m holding you in my thoughts and sending love and strength as you face this loss. Zach was truly a wonderful person-a reflection of the love and goodness that surrounded him.
Terry Clements
May 3, 2025
My deepest condolences. Praying Zachary and your family.
Jim fauvell
May 3, 2025
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for your unimaginable loss. I am so sorry you are faced with this pain. My thoughts are with you both and with Leah and Allison as you all try to navigate the days ahead.
Linda Brunner
May 3, 2025
Dear Nancy,
This is truly sad news. What a dreadful loss for you, all of Zach's loved ones and the world at large. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
I wish I had known him.
Andi Hughes
May 3, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom, Leah and your extended family,
There are no words to express my sadness for you and the loss of your wonderful son. Zach was one of those rare young men who always took the time to be kind, polite, and friendly and stop and say hi even if he was in the middle of a run in the neighborhood. Even though I didn´t know him well, I knew he was a truly good human. I know Zach´s memory will forever be a blessing.
Francesca Hagadus
May 3, 2025
Nancy, I am deeply saddened to know about your tremendous loss. I am so sorry.
Luther Summers Hamilton
May 3, 2025
Dear Kratochvil/Stapholz Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about Zach's passing. While I may not have known him personally, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to you during this incredibly difficult time.
Please know that my thoughts are with you as you navigate this profound loss. Zach's impact on those around him will be felt and remembered.
Wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Luther Summers Hamilton friend of Zach´s Aunt Barbara
Bruce Chipkin
May 2, 2025
Fraco,
We wish we could give your whole family a big hug. You´re in our prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Megan and Bruce
Jane Romm
May 2, 2025
Zach was so special in so many ways. He never cared about being popular, he stood by his convictions. He was kind, caring, and had a love for learning. His questions were thoughtful and insightful. His devotion to community service clearly comes from his home by example from his parents.
When Zach told me he would be attending Dartmouth and his interests in neuro-science I connected him with my nephew, Dr. Jeremy Manning, professor at Dartmouth, who has a lab studying neuro-science. I know they shared time and ideas together.
His passing is a loss to his family and friends, but also to the world he already contributed so much to, but sadly will be no more.
Zach, I am so sorry you are gone, but you will not be forgotten.
My deeepest sympathies to your family.
Jane Romm
Doug Ammann
May 2, 2025
Paul, so sorry to read that your son in law passed away at this stage in his life. Your family is in our prayers.
Nicole Simmons
May 2, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom, and Leah,
Teaching Zach was an absolute pleasure as he was always genuinely curious and loved any challenging problems that I gave him in our math class. His bubbly personality as an underclassman was infectious!
Although I loved having him as a student, it was through his years of Model UN that I really got to know Zach. I was blessed to have him serve as a passionate officer for two years on my Model UN Board during my first few years of taking over the advisorship back in 2009. I had a vision for the club back then, and he was more than happy to try to help me make my vision come to life. Many of the successes that we have had as a club have been built upon the foundation that Zach had a hand in well over a decade ago.
As teachers we truly love each and every one of our students deeply as we want them to go on to achieve all of their dreams. Zach left a mark on us at Blind Brook, and many of us feel devastated to know that such a joy of a person has left our world. I pray that you are brought solace knowing that we will never forget your, and our, wonderful Zach.
Sending prayers and love,
Nicole Simmons
joshua ryu
May 2, 2025
I´m truly saddened to hear of Zach´s passing. I had the honor of working alongside him at the Blumenfeld Lab, where his energy and ideas were always inspiring. I learned a great deal from him, and will remember him as a kind and generous person.
Caryn Furst/David Bromberg
May 2, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom and Leah,
Our deepest condolences. We remember Zach well as a friend of Moranda and Shara and are heartbroken for you. His memory will be a blessing to all who were touched by him.
Fondly,
Caryn Furst and David Bromberg
Jo-Ann Sternberg
May 2, 2025
Dear Nancy and Tom - Although I only know you peripherally, I have always felt a special sympatico with you. I love to hear from Pat about all your tireless dedication to your community and friends; as well as hearing about your beautiful family.
Pat has shared with me what a special person Zach has always been to her - and to all who have been fortunate enough to know him.
I guess some people just feel too much -- bearing the burden for the rest of us...
My heart breaks for you. But having experienced tragic loss, I can say with confidence that time will be your friend.
I hope you can revel in the beautiful soul you brought into the world.
He lives within you - and no doubt, within all those whom he touched.
Achingly yours, Jo-Ann Sternberg (and Bill McCartney)
Roger D'Aprix
May 2, 2025
Nancy, Tom and Leah, I offer my most sincere grief at the monumental loss you are suffering. I vividly recall Zach at Sarah's birthday as a six or seven-year old literally running with 'the pack.' Even then it was clear how special he was, how bright, how much like both of you! Some souls just feel too much compassion and empathy to survive in this world. Memories eventually overcome grief. I pray for that solace for all of you.
Swati Sharma
May 2, 2025
Tom,
Deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Condolences to you and your family.
Love,
Swati
Kenny H
May 2, 2025
Thank you for sharing Zach's story, and may his memory be a blessing.
Cian McCafferty
May 2, 2025
I am so sad to hear of Zach's passing and send my sincere condolences to Allison and his family. We worked together in the Blumenfeld lab and often climbed together too. Zach was brilliant, warm, kind and thoughtful. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.
Lisa Hofflich
May 2, 2025
Sending you and your family love and support through this sad time. May Zachary's light shine on in your hearts.
Mark Guiler
May 2, 2025
Tom and family, I am so sorry to hear of your enormous loss and my thoughts are with you all. Zach was clearly a wonderful person.
Meryl Bovard
May 1, 2025
Dear Nancy and family,
Please accept my heart-felt condolences for your loss of Zachary. I am sitting with you in your grief.
Meryl Bovard
Melissa Wynn
May 1, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom and Leah,
Our hearts break for you. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
Melissa and Howie Wynn
Susan Bailey Raica
May 1, 2025
Dear Nancy and Tom. Barbara shared with me the loss of your son. My heart is breaking for you all. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love from Sue Bailey Raica
Laura Kleinhandler
May 1, 2025
Dear Nancy, Tom, Leah & family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of your beloved Zachary´s passing. I hope you are finding strength & comfort in the cherished memories you hold amidst the enormity of your loss and grief. Thinking of you with deepest condolences during unimaginably difficult time. Holding you in my heart and my prayers.
Laura Kleinhandler & family
Judy Troilo
May 1, 2025
Dear Nancy words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Cher Treacy
May 1, 2025
So incredibly sad to hear this news. Zach was such a kind, inquisitive, hardworking student when I taught him in middle school who continued to stop by and say hello even after going into high school. Sending prayers and strength for all of his loved ones.
Ferdinand Jahnel
May 1, 2025
Dear Tom & the entire Kratochvil family - sending my deepest condolences. Zach must have been the most wonderful person.
Caryn Greenspan
May 1, 2025
I am so very sorry to learn of your profound loss. He sounds like a remarkable human being and the world is a better place because he was in it. May his memory be a blessing.
Oren Rosin
May 1, 2025
Zach was a great person and a pleasure to work with. I'm saddened to hear of his passing.
robin schlaff
May 1, 2025
oh nancy and family - so so sorry - sending love and hugs
Christopher Steers
May 1, 2025
Dear Nancy and Thomas, my heart goes out to you as my prayers do. Words are never enough and I never had the privilege of meeting Zach, but I know his mom. I know his mom as a blessing in peoples lives so I am not surprised to see so many warm words from those who knew Zach. My heart felt sympathies go out to you and the family.
Christian Hardy
May 1, 2025
Dear Tom and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Zach was clearly a wonderful and loving son, husband, brother and friend. Our thoughts and warmest wishes are with you all at this difficult time.
Niki Kennedy
May 1, 2025
I have such fond memories of spending college years with Zach: from many 'camp-out' breakfasts-turned-lunches where we'd eat and study at the dining hall with our friends, to birthday celebrations, to helping each other apply for neuroscience grants. (Zach's grant proposal was a fantastic one, on modeling brain networks in schizophrenia. I thought it was brilliant when we were undergraduates, and now that I am a psychiatrist, his depth of insight into the topic when we were 20 impresses me even more!) He was the first friend I saw after stepping off the Dartmouth Coach to spend a summer in Cambridge, and spending time with him made a city that was foreign to me feel much more friendly. He was an incredibly kind person and I feel lucky to have known him.
Allison Spencer
May 1, 2025
There are no words for this profound loss. May his memory be a blessing.
The DeAngelis Family
May 1, 2025
I remember Zach and Tom visiting us for a ski trip. He was so funny, quirky, with a delightful twinkle in his eyes! Oh, and what a charmer! A loss like this is unimaginable! My deepest condolences. Please know that we are here for all of you. Love, Caren, Tony, Olivia and Darci
Katie Hake
May 1, 2025
I remember Zach as a bright light during my time at Dartmouth. Just seeing him around campus would brighten my day. This is a tremendous loss. I´m so very sorry.
Matthew Malone
May 1, 2025
Zach was the kindest and most considerate person I have ever met in my life. My friend who attended his wedding and only met him once had this to say: I shook his hand once and I knew he was a good man. Play Mario Kart and board games up in the sky for me, my friend.
Abby Schwittek
May 1, 2025
I am beyond saddened to hear of Zach's passing and am sending your family sincere thoughts of love and peace. May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Cindy Cahill
May 1, 2025
Nancy, Tom, Leah and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the pleasure of meeting Zach, but he sounds like a wonderful young man. I can't begin to imagine the depth of your sadness right now, but I am sending my prayers and love to you all. May he rest in peace.
Francesca Hagadus
May 1, 2025
I am so sorry. This is a painful loss.
Francesca
Steven Giglìo
May 1, 2025
I remember Zach as a high school student in my pre- engineering class. He was always incredibly curious about how things worked. Proud to have known him & sad to hear about his passing.
Daniel Berger
May 1, 2025
May Zach´s memory always be a blessing to your family. Sending much love to you all. RIP.
Olivia
May 1, 2025
Truly so sad to hear this news. We did Tae Kwon Do together for many years as kids, and he was always the most kind, thoughtful person in the room.
Penelope Williams
April 30, 2025
I remember Zach with such incredible fondness from our time at Dartmouth. He was such a happy, warm presence whenever we got to spend time together, and I´m deeply sad for all our losses.
Diane Camac
April 30, 2025
I´m overwhelmed with sadness that Zachary is gone! He was a wonderful young man who I had in my 2nd grade class years ago. I´m especially upset about the grief that his spouse and family are experiencing. Zachary.. May you RIP. Life just isn´t fair sometimes....Diane Camac
Julia Joseph
April 30, 2025
I knew Zach through cross country. He was an extremely kind and deeply cool person, who I remember with fondness all these years later, even though we lost touch after high school. May his memory be a blessing to his loved ones as it is for me
Rachel Joseph
April 30, 2025
I lost touch with Zach after high school, but I remember that he was a very kind and generous person. We were on the XC team together and he made a point to cheer us all on even though he was usually leading the pack :)
Sending all my love to his family and friends.
Emily L
April 30, 2025
I´m really glad I got the chance to work with Zach. I´m so sorry for your loss
Emily
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