Jerome Monroe "Jomy" Zech

1926 - 2015

Jerome "Jomy" M. Zech

1926 ~ 2015

Jerome died peacefully on October 15, 2015 after two weeks in Swedish Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Jerome was born in Seattle on July 6, 1926 to Lando and Mae (Monroe) Zech. He was a gentleman, filled with kindness, faith, and service to others.

Jerome graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he played football and baseball. After his freshman year at the University of Washington, where he lettered in baseball, Jerome enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He returned to the University and graduated in 1949. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Jerome graduated from the UW School of Dentistry and later completed his studies in Dental Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania and Orthodontia at the UW.

Jerome met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty June) Elliott while attending the University of Washington. Jerome and Betty were happily married for 59 years. Jerome and Betty lived in Seattle on Capitol Hill and were actively involved in the St. Joseph's Parish Community where their lives were centered around their family of nine children. The family spent memorable summers on Whidbey Island, a legacy that continues with several of the children today.

Jerome had a successful orthodontics practice, initially in Bellevue, and subsequently on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. Following his retirement, Jerome and Betty moved to Edmonds, WA. After Betty's death, Jerome moved to the Mirabella retirement community in Seattle, where he lived until his death.

Jerome was an avid golfer and a long-standing active member of the Seattle Golf Club, where he seemed to know every blade of grass and often was able to "shoot his age." Jerome and Betty were also loyal Husky fans attending the football games and proudly wearing their purple and gold.

In addition to his wife, Betty, Jerome was predeceased by his three brothers, Lando, Bob, and Jack Zech. He is survived by his nine children, Caron McCune (Rich), Jerome Zech (Denise), Julie Lackie (Pete), Mary Kay Perrigo (Rick), Joe Zech (Marianne), Theresa Meyers (Larry), Jack Zech, Margie Zech Hallgrimson (Jon) and Richard Zech (Ava Altschul), 26 grandchildren, four great-grandsons, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

During his years at the Mirabella, Jerome was reacquainted with many long-time friends from high school, college and more. All of his friendships brought him much happiness and he remained active with his daily walks in the neighborhood and other activities with his friends. The family wishes to thank the staff at Mirabella over all the years he lived there and Swedish Hospital for the excellent care he received there during his illness.

Services at St. Joseph Church 732 18th Avenue E. Seattle: Rosary at 4:00 pm Thursday, October 22nd. Funeral Mass and Celebration of His Life - Friday, October 23rd at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerome's memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Joseph School Endowment Fund. Arrangements have been made through Bonney-Watson 1732 Broadway, Seattle.