Dick Zarba, (1963 - 2014) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've been, and the memories we've made along the way.

51 years old
Born on February 24, 1963 in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Passed away on April 29, 2014 in Parker, Colorado, United States

This memorial website was created in memory of Dick Zarba, 51, beloved father, husband, son, coach, and teammate. We will remember him forever. Please feel free to share pictures and stories to help us remember this wonderful man that was loved by so many.

There will be a Funeral Mass Friday, May 9th, at 6pm at Ava Maria Church in Parker. Followed by a reception of light snacks and drinks at the PACE Center down the street. We want this to be a time for all of us to celebrate his life. Please bring pictures and stories and lots of love.

"Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play."
- Mike Singletary

A memorial fund has been set up for to assist Janet and the girls. Thank you for your blessings and love.

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/l3l4/dick-zarba-memorial-fund

Tributes

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April 29, 2023

Hey Coach, I never thought I would be writing this on your timeline, but I'm guessing you and Kevin have talked in Heaven already. I never wanted to feel the way Janet did when you died, but I'm going through the same thing now. Kevin passed away and I'm living life one day at a time, pushing through. It's a horrible club. I hope the two of you have talks about all yalls girls down here. Your stories are so eerily similar, its scarey. Tyler is in Austin working as an estate lawyer. I miss seeing your family. Saying prayers for you and them today, they need it no matter how many years pass.

April 30, 2022

Thinking of you and your family today. Saying prayers for all three of them.

February 24, 2022

Happy birthday Coach. Another year, unbelievable. Miss u tons. Tyler is a lawyer in Denver now, pretty amazing! We still tell stories of you often!

April 29, 2021

Hey Coach, time flies but memories do not flee. Thinking of you and all your girls today. You are missed. Keep looking down and smiling!

April 29, 2021

We are all together this day. Thinking of your legacy.

February 24, 2021

Happy birthday Coach. We miss you! Tyler is here in Georgia taking the bar exam today. We are thinking about you. Send us blessings. Love Traci and Tyler

April 29, 2020

Your girls are well loved and taken care of by so many people. Rest well and look after your boys too.

April 29, 2020

Hey Coach, how has it been this long already? We miss you. Tyler is graduating this month from law school. Can you even believe it? From football player to lawyer, we did something right didnt we? The world keeps moving, but I know you are seeing it all. Miss you. Keeping in touch with your girls, all is good, just a crazy time with this virus. Saying prayers, keep watching over everyone, we all need "coaching" from above.

April 29, 2019

Hey Coach, taking time out from packing to say hi to ya. We are moving to Texas! Tyler is in finals, he only has a semester and a summer session left. Wish I could go back to his playing days. We packed your fball jacket, Tyler will have it always to remember his Coach! You are going to have a son in law, how exciting! We miss ya tons, keep looking down on Tyler, he needs your protection everyday!
Love Traci

April 29, 2019

Miss you Big Guy and Ill be remembering you with a Gin and Tonic tonight (ok, every night).

February 24, 2019

Hey Coach, another bday. Your girls seem to be doing great! Can you believe Tyler only has 2 semesters of law school left? He grew up on us quick. Keep watching down on us. Saying a prayer for all your family to have happy memories of you on your special day (are there any other kind?) Miss you tons.

April 29, 2018

Hey Coach, I don't know what it is about this day. I lost another person close to me again. Maybe you can greet him up there! We are all trucking along. Tyler is one week away from finishing his first year of law school at Gonzaga. I don't know where the time goes. I got the update that Emily is rockin school also, I know your smiling! Miss you tons, keep smiling down on us.

February 24, 2018

Hey Coach, happy birthday!! I know you already know how great Tyler is doing. He's rockin law school. We miss you. Talk about you often. Staying in touch with your family of course! Keep looking down and blessing us with your spirit. Celebrate your life with us, we wil have a drink in your honor, cheers!!!

April 30, 2017

Coach, sure do miss you. Tyler and I were just talking about you the other day. 3 years seems almost impossible. Seems your girls are doing well! Keep watching over us!

April 29, 2017

Miss you Dick. Loved all the times we got together and the wonderful meals we shared. Love you. Jan and Dale Switzer

February 24, 2017

Coach, happy birthday. Giving you an update on Tyler, he's applying to law schools, I think you would be proud! We should know anytime now his test scores and his acceptances. Miss you. You would have loved the Super Bowl outcome, guess you already know that though. God bless. Traci

April 29, 2016

My dad lives in the neighborhood where Dick and his family lived at the time of his passing so I always think of them when I am in the area. Hopefully you all are getting along and able to remember the good times. Take care all.

April 29, 2016

Two years since Dick has left us. I cant tell you how many times I have thought of him during this past 2 years. How many times I have wanted to talk with him about a game, a golf tournament, name it. You are truly missed my old friend.

April 29, 2016

Two years without my brother, I miss the phone calls, I miss the golf, I miss my brother, my friend.

If you can hear me, i love you

And I hope you are hitting that Tight Lies on every shot

April 29, 2015

One year. One minute. One lifetime ago. You were our True North.. A fixed location that always points those in need in the right direction. Watch over us and guide us.

April 29, 2015

Dick, we miss you every day. Our times with you are cherished and tears are shed just thinking of you. May we see you again when we transition to Heaven.
Jan & Dale

April 29, 2015

Last night I was so frustrated trying to figure out flight plans....and as usual, thought of you, Dick. Your kindness in always and gladly doing that task for me was just one example of your character. You were such a kind man and it has been a hard year without you. You are so missed- in all the large and small ways that you touched our lives. K

April 29, 2015

It has been a year since you left and not a day goes by that I don't think you or miss you, the boys miss their uncle, your dad misses his son, your sister misses her big brother, your friends miss their big friend, and most of all your family misses their dad n husband. You were the center n will always be ours... I miss you bug guy

March 4, 2015

Hey Coach, happy birthday! We really miss you. As you know, your favorite football player is moving to linebacker. He will have a bit more fun there I think. Please watch over him, no more knee injuries please. Trent is moving to OL, now I really need your help, I don't know much about Ol, send me coaching tips please. All 3 of your girls are doing ok, Tyler and I make sure of it. I miss you old man. Football season just wasn't the same this year without you. He will make you proud this year, but he always did didn't he? Love you. Traci

February 24, 2015

Happy Birthday Dick. The Patriots season was something! I am certain you had the best seat in the house watching your team win the Superbowl. I will always have memories of your passion for coaching kids in football and volleyball. Rest in peace.

September 20, 2014

dear janet and zarba family on behalf of la dolce vita italian restaurant in castle pines we express our loss to a great friend and fallen hero dick was a great brother and friend. we are so sad to hear of his passing but his voice and great loving heart will never dissapear found in all who were touched by his great spirit. yes zarba you were la dolcevita the sweet life. here we celebrate your great life

May 29, 2014

I have been very fortunate in my life. I have had the blessing of two truly good parents, a wonderful sister, two great boys, an amazing Love, truly lifelong and loyal friends, but most of all I had a Brother. My brother Dick was my best friend, he was my role model, my confidant, and later in life my greatest supporter and biggest fan. He was always there during the good, the bad, he knew when to put me in my place and he knew when to push me. I am who I am because of my brother. It has been a month since you left us and my world will never be the same. I miss you and love you.

May 15, 2014

Dear Zarba Family,
My heart is just breaking for your loss. Dick was such a special guy, with that fabulous smile and laugh! I have many a wonderful childhood memory of him, and hope you all can find peace in your own memories of Dick.
Sending you all my love and hugs,
Jenn

May 10, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I am truly sorry for your loss.

May 10, 2014

Dear Janet, Joe, Joe, Jr., Anne, Emily, Sarah and Family,
   We want you all to know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers and send you our love. Dick was a true gentleman and dear friend who will be missed dearly. Marla and I, as well as Marv and Kay (Mom and Dad), had so many wonderful and fond memories spending special times with your family over the years. We love you and may God be with you....

            Love, Todd, Marla, Elizabeth and Deanna Childers

May 9, 2014

Dear Janet, Sarah & Emily,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow and loss. We love and support you always!
Leslie, Stephen and kids

May 8, 2014

Dick was one of the most special people I have ever worked with. We started out together at Sysco and left around the same time...my memories of him will always be cherished. My condolences to his many friends & family.

May 6, 2014

Janet,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

May 6, 2014

Coach, there isnt many things more special than watching your son play the game of football. But watching you and the joy you got from seeing Tyler being successful on the field and the way you "coached him up" after every game, from little league through college was just as special. Not many coaches get to coach a player that many years. How lucky was Tyler to have you in his life, both on and off the field. And how lucky was I to get to watch that relationship flourish. Thank you for being there for him and for never missing a game. In 7 years you never missed a game. He loved you for that, and so did I.His last two years of college games will not be the same without you coaching and sitting with me in the stands. We love you and will miss you and all your wisdom. May God bless you Janet and the girls. Thanks for sharing him with us all of these years.

May 6, 2014

To the Zarba family. It has been a very long time since the family lived in Village East where we were neighbors. Have seen Joe (father) and Anne a few times. Our prayers are with the whole family at this time and wish you all the very best. We will be at the Friday service with others from the "old" neighborhood.

May 5, 2014

To the Zarba family: Our sympathies on your tragic loss. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you as you need strength to get from one hour to the next. We will be unable to attend the service but we will be thinking of you on that day and many more to come. We have nothing but good memories of Dick as a wonderful husband, father, coach, and friend. With much love, Wayne, Roxanne, TJ and Amber

May 5, 2014

You were a Friend and a teammate for ever. You will not be forgotten

May 5, 2014

I am sorry for your loss to the Zarba family. Dick was a "great" big guy and will be missed by all.

May 5, 2014

Dear Zarba Family,
It breaks my heart that I won't be there with you all for Dick's MemorialService (my doctor vetoed it). You have all been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard the heartbreaking news about Dick last week. I have so many wonderful memories of all of you ( big Joe and my dad singing on the back patio while the rest of us were swimming, Elaine trying to teach me to make baklava - it didn't work, Dick kneeling on the field, close to tears after loosing a playoff game, Joseph, being Joseph and making everyone laugh, Annie and I critiquing reruns go MASH, Visiting Janet and Dick in Grand Junction, On the Road Again' and so many more). You made me part of your wonderful family, were a treasured part of my youth and I am promising myself to keep in better touch. I know God will hold you close to His heart now and give you peace in the loss of your 'gentle giant'. I Love you all! xoxo Mari
PS - Joseph, if you can while your home please call me. I'll message Annie my numbers.

May 4, 2014

Janet and girls..When we think of Dick, we think of his great smile, his
kind demeanor and the way he personified class and dignity. He was a true gentleman who was a blessing to have as a friend.
Love, Bruce and Cheryl

May 4, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this very difficult time.

David Williams

May 3, 2014

Janet,
I want to go back to being 7 years old, playing barbies in your backyard and not having to morn your wonderful husband. Dick was the definition of a kind, gentle and loving husband, daddy, brother, son and man. He will so be missed. Love from the Arnolds

May 3, 2014

we love you Dick, you will always be in our hearts and be a shining light for your family and for us.

May 3, 2014

To the Zarba Family,

Lifting you all up in prayer during this difficult time. May God wrap you in a blanket of strength and peace knowing Dick is with his Lord & Savior. Sending much love to you all.

Rita Polniak Starkey

May 2, 2014

Annie I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family! Jeanne and Greg

May 2, 2014

My friend. You were always there. You were the best I ever knew. You will be there moving forward, each and every game day. Always.

May 2, 2014

Janet:
You are in our thoughts and prayers! May God hold you tightly during this time of sorrow.

Love you!

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Recent Tributes

April 29, 2023

April 30, 2022

Thinking of you and your family today. Saying prayers for all three of them.

February 24, 2022

Happy birthday Coach. Another year, unbelievable. Miss u tons. Tyler is a lawyer in Denver now, pretty amazing! We still tell stories of you often!

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Birthdays

February 24, 2015

Today hit me hard, more than Sunday, you see my brother, sister and me always shared something uniqe, our birthdays. Anne and I on the 22d and Dick today. Family planning at its best...

Happy Birthday Big Guy, I miss you every day and I Love You

s/f your little brother

"Always a Good Influence"

May 17, 2014

One time in 1979 the entire Zarba family came to visit us(my family and I) in Scottsdale, Arizona, and both of our families had a great time together; especially, we had a great time hearing Dick's mom telling the stories his football accomplishments in high school. This was the only time I had spent with Dick and his family, and even though this was only a one time visit, I still have a strong memory of that summer. Dick's face was allways colored red from the intense Arizona heat. Dick was a great guy, and he got me intersted in lifting weights and keeping in shape. He would have made a great drill seargent in the military, but he was too nice, yet there is nothing wrong with being nice. We need more of that in this world.

Rocco

Starry Night

May 13, 2014

Clearly, it is easier to TELL stories than write stories..... but the effort to write is worth it. And it makes it more real, more permanent. More meaningful to the family. Which is the point. So I think I'll write a memory. One of thousands.

Dick was my brother in law- my sister is my best friend and he was wildly tolerant of our silliness and adventures. He loved my cooking- more food stories to come.

But this time I remember stars. We were at my SD home and Dick went out on the porch in the dark. "Come out here, you two." And it was magic- a million, billion stars bright in the sky and there's Dick, like a big kid- "I've never seen so many stars...."

It was magic, it was wonder and it was just like Dick to want to share it with people he loved. Miss you so much. What do the stars look like from heaven? Ask Bill about the constellations- he'd love to tell you all about them.

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