Zachary Stephen Menefee

Zachary Stephen Menefee, 23, born on January 20th, 2002, known affectionately as Zach to all who knew him, left this world far too soon on the morning of May 16th, 2025, in his home state of Virginia.
From a young age, Zach found joy in building and designing - always eager to take things apart, discover their secrets, and reassemble them with precision and creativity. He brought that same thoughtful care into every project he touched which led him to pursue
a degree in Mechanical Engineering at George Mason University.
A true gamer at heart, Zach found joy and camaraderie in playing video games with friends online. His passion for gaming blossomed into a role as both a coach and player for the GMU ESports team, where he shared his knowledge and love for the game with others.
Beyond the classroom and the digital battlegrounds, Zach's interests were as diverse as they were engaging. Growing up traveling the world, he experienced new cultures and made memories in every corner of the globe. He was an avid snowboarder, embracing the
rush of the cold air and the thrill of the slopes. His interest in golfing provided him with a serene escape and the opportunity to challenge himself in new ways. In the kitchen, he was a maestro, experimenting with flavors and bringing joy through his cooking.
Zach's love for movies was well-known, often sparking lively discussions and cherished movie nights with friends and family. His commitment to health and wellness was not only a personal journey but also an inspiration to those around him.
Zach's personality was gentle, sweet, and quietly radiant. He had a kind heart, a bright mind, and a presence that brought comfort and calm to those around him. He brought that same thoughtful care into every relationship he nurtured. Zach's ability to listen
and his willingness to put others before himself were qualities that drew people to him and made him a cherished figure to all who knew him. To know him was to be touched by a quiet kind of brilliance and deeply rooted compassion.
Zach was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Rose L. (Brown) Menefee and Mildred L. (Hudock) Warunek; his grandfather, Roy J. Menefee; his uncles, Andreas Gieryic and Michael P. Menefee; and his aunt, Carole (Menefee) Meaut.
His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving parents, Wanda Lee (Warunek) Menefee and Mark Stephen Menefee of Ashburn, VA; his adoring sister, Alexandra Nicole Menefee of Aldie, VA; and his grandfather, Frank Warunek of Dupont, PA. and Carolyn
Tavella, partner for many years. He is also lovingly remembered by his extended family: Lucille Warunek-Gieryic of Parkton, MD; Chris and Wendy Warunek of Gainesville, VA; Mary and Doug Thomas of Mount Vernon, VA; Claire and David Menefee of Asheville, N.C.;
and Mary Menefee of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Zach is further survived by many loving cousins and his beloved girlfriend, Caroline Jenkins of Fredericksburg, VA who will forever hold Zach in her heart.
We will always remember his dimply soft smile and the warmth he brought into every room. His life was a gift, and the memory of him will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
"I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days."
In lieu of flowers, you may choose to dedicate a donation in memory of Zachary S. Menefee to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, https://afsp.org/