Patrick Zaharoff

1964 - 2024

Patrick Darren Zaharoff passed away peacefully with his partner Tara in their Jefferson home on Easter Sunday, March 31st, one year to the day before his final journey began. Diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer of the pancreas and liver, he met the challenge with his characteristic positivity and acknowledged gratitude for a life well lived, a life filled with remarkable people and memories, overall good fortune, and too many blessings to count.

Pat was born on December 19, 1964 to Steven and Evelyn (Eicholtz) of Walkersville, MD. He attended Walkersville High, where he met Heather Scheuerman (Young). They were married for 18 years and watched their children, Darren and Paige, become parents to three beautiful grandchildren, Summer and Cameron Zaharoff and Levy Black. The son of a two-time war veteran, Pat was the youngest of his surviving siblings, Michael by 9 years and more than 15 years junior to his sister Shirley Ann Fernandes and brother Steven.

After earning his B.S. in accounting and an MBA, Pat enjoyed a challenging career, including positions at Amstar, Boland Trane, OPNET and Potomac Tile & Carpet, but he found teaching at the University of Phoenix to be the most rewarding.

A versatile athlete, Pat discovered a particular enthusiasm and aptitude for football in high school which fostered a lifelong loyalty to the Redskins that he debated annually. He was an equally proficient and accomplished golfer, becoming an avid player in later years, but fishing was his first favorite pastime, and he could recall successes and upsets about every childhood lure.

Pat was the epitome of an extrovert, known for his gift of gab, wonderful stories, unlimited recall of "useless knowledge" and unwavering optimism. He also prided himself on being a true friend, pet whisperer and adept handyman. Never failing to appreciate the little things in life, Pat took the utmost pleasure in helping people and creatures alike.

The most important thing to Pat was to be a good person and leave a positive impact on the people whose paths he crossed. He was genuinely kind and considerate with a generous spirit and a desire to help others. He treated absolutely everyone with respect and decency and made all who knew him, whether for five minutes or a lifetime, feel a little better about their day and themselves.

There will be a casual open-house Celebration of Life on July 20th, 2024 from 1-4 pm at The Oriole's Nest,1037 W Patrick Street in Frederick, MD. We hope you can join us to share all things Pat held dear, light (not necessarily healthy) picnic fare, cash bar, classic rock, enjoyable people and entertaining anecdotes. In his honor, Pat would ask for nothing more than a fond memory or raised glass, but if you feel a donation is in order, please choose your preferred charity. Patrick Zaharoff