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Obituary for Richard G. Zahn,Sr.
Richard G. “Rich” Zahn, Sr.
May 8, 1968 – August 9, 2025
Richard G. “Rich” Zahn, Sr., 57, passed away on August 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, intensity, and accomplishment. A loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. Rich lived his life at full throttle — whether serving his country, protecting his community, racing on the track, flying through the skies, or building communities across the Southeast.
Born May 8, 1968, Rich proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1985–1997 within the special operations community, including the 24th PSYOP Airborne Company under U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He trained at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, later continuing his dedication to service in law enforcement, completing the FBI Advanced Sniper Operations course and earning certification as a SWAT operator.
An aviator at heart, Rich pursued his passion for flying at Delta/Comair’s aviation academy, becoming an FAA-licensed pilot with instrument, multi-engine, and seaplane ratings. His love of flight extended into aviation ventures in Florida. Equally drawn to speed on the ground, he competed professionally in sports-car racing, driving in Grand-Am, IMSA Continental, and GT3 Challenge series from 2009–2012. Race weekends took him from Daytona to Sebring to Homestead and beyond.
After his military and racing careers, Rich poured his drive into shaping communities. He served as Chairman/CEO of BCC Construction and Chairman of Prospect Real Estate Group, leading multifamily development and construction projects throughout the region. Colleagues remember him as a hands-on leader who cared deeply about both the work and the people behind it.
Rich is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Michele Zahn; his children Richard “Richie”Zahn Jr., Codie (Lauren) Zahn, Madison Zahn, and Logan Zahn; his stepchildren Dee Paonessa and Jacob (April) Gardner; and his seven beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his father Richard (Maria) Zahn; his sister Maria “Elena” (Brian) Null; and his niece, Hope Null.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Maria “Yaya” Zahn, and his daughter, Brooke Zahn.
In the words of Richard, “In closing,” A Celebration of life will be held at East Coast Believer Church on September 20th @ 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to ECBC, a church he lovingly built with his own hands or Fisher House Foundation, a veterans support organization.
Above all his achievements, Rich will be remembered for his fierce love of family, his passion for life, and the indelible mark he left on every community and person he touched.
To plant a tree in memory of Richard G. Zahn,Sr., visit the Tribute Store.
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