Zachary Berkheimer was like every other 27-year-old guy; he had a huge personality with a profound sense of humor. Besides the regular accolades which are all true, he was extremely hardworking, honest and one of the most caring individuals you will ever meet, his personality shined supreme. Ask anyone who knew him – family, friends, girlfriend, college buddies, co-workers; Zack’s genuine caring nature combined with his quick wit would endear him to you for life.
Zack’s story began on October 23rd, 1992, he was a regular kid, grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore playing baseball and soccer, and attended St. Joseph School Fullerton for elementary and middle school.
Zack graduated from Calvert Hall High School where he played football and rugby among other activities. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The York College of Pennsylvania. He joined a small start-up company, where he thrived for five years. Like many Baltimore postgraduates, Zack moved to Canton with friends and enjoyed city living. As an avid Baltimore sports fan, Zack loved the Orioles, Ravens, and Capitols. He enjoyed traveling, whether with his family or his girlfriend, always up for new adventures across the country. Zachary thrived on personal interactions, he always had the right joke or sarcastic comment to have an entire room in stitches. This carried over to his clients, who he was beyond dedicated to and sincere with. No detail ever fell through the crack with him.
When Zachary was a junior in high school, he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a genetic disease prevalent in his family. Zack knew all too well what this diagnosis would entail, after experiencing his Mom, Mary Berkheimer, living with the same heart disease.
Zachary took his diagnosis in stride, never letting his heart condition define him, just as it did not define his Mom. They each lived their lives to the fullest each and every day, despite some activity restrictions and many medical appointments.
In early 2020, Zack was informed that his heart was deteriorating rapidly, and a heart transplant would be likely by mid-year. Zack was admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital on June 3rd, 2020, and received a heart transplant on July 11th, 2020. This was an emotional time and we will always be thankful for the gift of life and the ultimate selfless act of kindness that the donor and donor’s family have given.
Unfortunately, all did not go as planned and there were complications during surgery which resulted in numerous setbacks for Zack. It never crossed our minds, but this is where Zack’s story ends. On August 16th, 2020, Zack succumbed to the complications related to his surgery and is now with his Mom in heaven.
Zack was important to us all and thus we started this Charitable Organization in Zachary Robert Herbert Berkheimer’s name, Zachary R H Berkheimer Charitable Organization, Inc.
Today, the Zachary R H Berkheimer Charitable Organization, a 501 (c) 3 , is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the life enrichment of youths and young adults through various educational and research opportunities. Participation through available scholarships, grants, financial assistance, or other monetary support from the Zachary R H Berkheimer Charitable Organization, will allow these individuals, families, and programs to build healthier lives, preparing them for the best life opportunities available.
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