Richard August Zaruba Iii

Richard August Zaruba, III passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on December 24, 2014, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29th at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Greensboro, conducted by Rev. Msgr. Anthony Marcaccio, followed by a reception. Family will receive friends at Forbis & Dick Funeral Service on North Elm Street on Sunday, December 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Richard was born in Petersburg, VA on May 28, 1957, the son of the late Richard and Joan Zaruba. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 36 years, Cynthia, his daughters Sarah Brogan (Reed) and Emily Tkacik (Christopher), his sisters Amy Cannon (Roger) and Beth Riffe (Alan), and his brother Mark Zaruba (Kathy), his in-laws Richard and Phyllis Veal, his uncle Thomas Zaruba (Vivian), his aunt Josephine Graven, brothers-in-law Richard Veal (Beverly), Randy Veal (Linda) and sister-in-law Susan Hill, along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and generations of students.

Richard graduated from Gibbons High School as valedictorian in 1975, and received his B.A. from UNCG in 1978. He then began a 30 year career teaching drama, English, and speech at Grimsley High School. During this time he was the “voice of the Whirlies,” announcing for the Grimsley football games, and coached GHS girls’ softball. Upon retirement, he worked as a tax preparer and instructor for H&R Block. For the past 15 years he served as a church musician at St. Pius X, playing guitar and mandolin, which brought him much joy.

Among his many interests, Richard enjoyed Americana and bluegrass music, Braves baseball, Colts football, college basketball, science fiction, cooking, good wine, family vacations at the Outer Banks, Merlefest, and winery tours. He was in his element preparing food and drink for family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Ennever and the staff at Cone Health Cancer Center in High Point, Dr. Annick Desjardins and staff at Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke Hospital, the staff of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, and numerous friends and family for all their prayers and support, especially St. Pius X choir members.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Pius X Music Ministry or Greensboro Grimsley High School Alumni & Friends Assoc.

Above all else, Richard accomplished what he wanted most – he “did the drill.” Bravo Z!

This is a courtesy announcement of May & Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville.