Professor Emeritus Charles E. Zech, PhD passed away on Sunday May 17th at his home in West Chester PA.
The oldest son of Ed and Marie Zech, Chuck grew up in St Paul Minnesota before attending the University of St. Thomas and getting his doctorate from The University of Notre Dame. An economics professor at Villanova University for over 40 years, he created the world renowned Center for Church Management in 2004, which now has been blessed by the Vatican and is a required course for any new Catholic bishop. He Authored or Co-Authored a dozen books and was a constant voice of authority on Church Management in countless newspapers and a frequent guest on television.
An avid athlete, Chuck cherished playing everything from basketball, baseball/softball and golf, discovering pickleball later in life. He loved games of all sorts, but despised losing in them.
A doting father and husband. He prioritized spending time with his family. From games and tournaments to plays and concerts if there was a family event he made sure he was there.
He represented love, intelligence and dedication and is extremely missed by his siblings and countless friends and colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son Tom, and is survived by his wife Ann, children Patty (Trish), Dave, John, Beth, Ron, Kait and grandchildren Skylar, Evan, Brody, Connor, Ryan, Hannah, April and Abby.
A Mass in celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Thursday May 28th at St. John's Chrysostom Parish in Wallingford PA. Visitation begins at 9:30am with services at 11am. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to
The Center for Church Management at Villanova University
800 Lancaster Ave
Villanova, PA 19085
The oldest son of Ed and Marie Zech, Chuck grew up in St Paul Minnesota before attending the University of St. Thomas and getting his doctorate from The University of Notre Dame. An economics professor at Villanova University for over 40 years, he created the world renowned Center for Church Management in 2004, which now has been blessed by the Vatican and is a required course for any new Catholic bishop. He Authored or Co-Authored a dozen books and was a constant voice of authority on Church Management in countless newspapers and a frequent guest on television.
An avid athlete, Chuck cherished playing everything from basketball, baseball/softball and golf, discovering pickleball later in life. He loved games of all sorts, but despised losing in them.
A doting father and husband. He prioritized spending time with his family. From games and tournaments to plays and concerts if there was a family event he made sure he was there.
He represented love, intelligence and dedication and is extremely missed by his siblings and countless friends and colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son Tom, and is survived by his wife Ann, children Patty (Trish), Dave, John, Beth, Ron, Kait and grandchildren Skylar, Evan, Brody, Connor, Ryan, Hannah, April and Abby.
A Mass in celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Thursday May 28th at St. John's Chrysostom Parish in Wallingford PA. Visitation begins at 9:30am with services at 11am. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to
The Center for Church Management at Villanova University
800 Lancaster Ave
Villanova, PA 19085