Richard J. Zak

Richard J. Zak (“Rick”), 82, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away on June 4, 2024, in the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Rick was born on September 10, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio to Joseph and Helen (Strick) Zak.

Surviving are his former wife, Jennifer Zak and their sons Richard (Katrina) and Garry (Lisa Taylor); grandchildren Ethan and Oliver Zak; brothers Robert (Jenny) and Raymond (Dova); and nieces Katelyn Zak (Laura Haynes) and Jacquelin Zak. Rick was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Randy.

Rick grew up in the Birmingham community of Toledo and graduated from Central Catholic High School. Rick had a passion for bowling, and was an accomplished entrepreneur. After a career in management with Dana in both Toledo and Mexico City, he decided to follow his dream of opening his own business. Rick’s Pro Shop was the go-to retail shop for amateur and professional bowlers alike for over 30 years. Rick’s first pro shop was on the East Side in the Toledo Sports Center. He then expanded by opening an additional shop in the Southwyck Lanes.

In the 1980s, Rick continued to grow his enterprise by adding wholesale supply sales to bowling centers all across the tri-state area and expanded into a combination wholesale/retail warehouse located on Bellevue Road in Toledo. Over time he added additional lines including, screen printed sportswear, trophies, awards, baseball, and softball equipment.

One unique feature of his new store was that it contained two regulation bowling lanes. This allowed his customers to practice their game and try new equipment. Soon after opening, his new location was featured on a local sports broadcast. Rick continued to expand, by acquiring Al-Mar Lanes in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Rick’s career in the bowling business was cut short in the late 1990s, due to illness. However, he was inducted into the Birmingham Hall of Fame in 2006 for his accomplishments in business and his work in and with the community.

Visitation with family and friends will commence at St. Stephen’s Church at 1880 Genesee Street in Toledo, on July 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., and the funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery at 2224 Dorr Street in Toledo.

Memorial contributions in Rick’s name may be sent to St. Stephen’s Church or Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).