Zachary Jon Corliss

Obituary For Zachary Jon Corliss

Zachary Jon Corliss, also known as "Zac," left us too soon on September 17, 2025 at age 29. He made a lasting impression on family, friends and others in his short life.

Zac was born April 3, 1996 in Chesapeake and graduated from Ocean Lakes High School in 2014. After high school, he briefly lived in Miami, Tempe and San Diego but considered Virginia Beach home.

No longer in pain, Zac was welcomed into the open arms of God and by his paternal grandfather Col. Reginald Corliss Sr.; his maternal grandparents Augusto and Florfina Versoza, and cousin Victor Marcum. Additionally, his family beagle Cuffy met him at the Rainbow Bridge. Left to cherish his memories are his parents Jon and Aucelia Corliss of Virginia Beach; older brother Jacob (Jennamarie) Corliss of South Carolina, and paternal grandmother Saralyn Corliss of Norfolk.

Music of the family for Zac meant reunions at Lake Wallace in Vermont with the Corliss relatives and Filipino cuisine at holidays and celebrations with his Versoza "titas," uncles and cousins. Zac had a bonus family dubbed the Nags Head Crew where the children, who bonded like cousins called the adults "Uncle and Aunt." One summer, one of the girls, Ashley had an ear infection and until it was cleared, she wasn't allowed to go to beach. Zac sensed she was sad so instead of joining the others, he hung out with her playing video games, watching TV and scarfing up on snacks.

One of Zac's superpowers was his athleticism; he excelled in many sports but soccer became his passion. As his coach sent him out on the pitch, he told the five-year-old Zac, "Go have fun, but take it easy on them!" He regularly trained with his older brother Jake and their mates on the field. He developed mad football skills such as megging players (tapping the ball between their legs).

Zac's easygoing nature, sense of humor and loyalty engendered enduring friendships from elementary school to beyond the high school years. He was as competitive over chess matches as with challenges over FIFA video games. He was respectful and polite with adults. Family, friends, teachers and coaches in his life were as influential on him as he was on them. Zac will be dearly missed by many and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

A beautiful and moving Celebration of Life for Zac was held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at New Life Church, Deep Creek Campus in Chesapeake. Thank you to all who attended this service. Donations in Zac's memory may be made to a local pet shelter or local food bank.

Simply Cremation is assisting his family during this difficult time.

Please share memories and express condolences at SimplyCremationOnline.com