Jeffery Paul Zidar

Jeffery Paul Zidar died unexpectedly on August 3rd at home in Clintonville at the age of 57. He is preceded in death by his father, John P. Zidar. He is survived by his three beloved children, John T. Zidar, Andrew J. (Bailey) Zidar, and Kathryn G. Zidar; mother, Patricia Zidar (Slack); siblings, John Zidar, Robert Zidar, James Zidar, William Zidar, Charles (Nikki) Zidar, Patricia (Brian) Brindley; ex-wife and friend, Lisa Zidar; numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.

Jeff was born in Cleveland in 1961 and was the fifth of seven children of John and Patricia Zidar. He spent 2 years of his childhood in Kentucky until 1971, when the family finally settled in Columbus.

He attended St. Michael’s in Worthington from 1971-1975. A 1979 graduate of Bishop Watterson High School, he participated in Wrestling, Football, and Track.

Jeff met his ex-wife, Lisa Zidar, while the two were in high school. They were married in 1982 and went on to build a life together in Clintonville; where they purchased their first home, had their three children (John, Andrew, and Kathryn) and made many happy memories.

Jeff built his career as a painting contractor and small business owner. He quite literally helped to build many of Columbus’ neighborhoods into what they are today. In addition to his company’s larger contracts, he also did work on a more individual basis and became a beloved and well known character around town as he helped turn his neighbor’s home remodeling dreams into reality.

Jeff found pleasure in a variety of interests and hobbies. He enjoyed soccer and baseball and was a passionate fan of the Columbus Crew and the Cleveland Indians. He valued opportunities for exploration and during family vacations he would often disappear down the beach for hours only to return with his shirt fashioned into a bag, which contained all manner of shells and other treasures. He had a soft spot for both children and animals and they seemed to sense his tenderness and gravitate to him as well. He was an avid and skilled poker player, both for fun and fortune.

By far, his most cherished way to pass the time was to spend it with his family and friends; be it an afternoon spent cruising Columbus’ neighborhoods in his van with his daughter, playing board games during the holidays with his siblings, manning the grill at cookouts, or just catching up & sharing stories with his nieces and nephews. Jeff had a keen wit and an unmatched sense of humor. He could always be counted on by his loved ones as a source of smiles and laughter.

The world has lost a kind and remarkable man and one of it’s all time greatest huggers. Jeff bettered every life he touched. He is greatly loved and will be missed immensely.

Friends may call Thursday from 1-3 and 5-7:00 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 4661 Kenny Road where a Funeral Service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would request that you make a donation to the local chapter of The March of Dimes in Jeff’s name.

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