Zachary “Zach” Robert Dayton
Zachary “Zach” Robert Dayton, age 32, of Newark, DE passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
A lifelong resident of Newark, DE, Zachary was the owner of his landscaping company, Dayton Exterior Services since 2011. He was a graduate of the Charter School of Wilmington and the University of Delaware Associate’s in Arts Program. Zach truly cherished his time with his family and friends. He loved oceans, lakes and rivers, snorkeling in tropical waters, riding waves and body surfing at South Bethany, family vacations, long hikes and disc golf at Carpenter State Park, mushroom hunting with his Grandpa, mountain biking – the faster the better, skateboarding through Newark, listening to music and playing his favorite video games. He loved playing Lacrosse in high school, playing ping pong at Dayton family gatherings, playing beach volleyball and smash ball. He looked forward to all holidays, Firefly, Oktoberfest and most definitely, the weekend.
In his own way, Zach passionately focused on the needs of others; he would take the time to speak to anyone and had a genuine interest in learning about different kinds of people. He practiced random acts of kindness by helping neighbors, homeless people and others. We will always remember Zach’s infectious smile, warm heart and the twinkle in his eyes.
He was the son of Susan (Clupper) Jones and Robert Dayton II and brother to Ryan J. Dayton. Zach was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Herbert and Margaret Dayton. He is survived by his maternal grandparents Harold and Barbara Clupper, his parents Susan (Clupper) Jones (Kevin), Robert Dayton II (Teresa); brother Ryan J. Dayton (Steven Oliver); step siblings, Trevor (Anna), Travis and Traci Tabah, and Chris and Andrew Jones, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
On behalf of Zach and his family, thank you to all of those who cared for him, showered him with love, friendship and kindness throughout his entire life.
Services will be private. A celebration of Zach’s life will be held at a later date when large gatherings are permitted. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends and knowing Zach, when we do gather, he would love for us to include barbecue and beer.
One last thought, Zach struggled with his mental illness and tried so hard, seeking help for the last 2 years; his family strongly urges those who are struggling to please reach out to family, friends and mental health professionals.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Zach’s memory by practicing random acts of kindness, make a donation to your favorite charity or make a donation to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://www.namidelaware.org/ or Mental Health Association in Delaware https://www.mhainde.org/
Mark R. Grunert
Bob and Teresa – so sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Mark Grunert and family
Linda J Granger
My heart goes out to you. I pray for peace for you.
Marilyn Siebold
Words alone seem so inadequate at a time like this, so let me say to Susan and Robert and family and friends, that I believe that Zach clearly made a difference in the live of others, because he had the support and love of all of you. You are not alone, and even if we all have to engage in physical distancing these days, many people are thinking and praying for you.
Sandy Woodin
We are deeply saddened by this news, but we know it’s far from what you are going through right now.
Though there are no right words to say, please know we send our deepest heartfelt condolences and love to both the Clupper and Dayton families and all who knew and loved Zachary.
May your fond memories of him comfort you during this difficult time. His beautiful, gentle soul full of love and kindness lives on in these memories and he will not be forgotten.
Rest in Peace, sweet Zachary.
Much Love,
The Woodin Family
Joanne Schlosberg
Bob, Terri, Ryan, Trevor, Traci and Travis,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although, I only knew Zach in passing as one of Eric’s friends, I remember his care free, fun loving attitude. My heart goes out to all of you and please reach out if there is anything at all that we can do. My deepest compassion is with all of you.
Love,
Joanne Schlosberg
William Geimeier
On behalf of myself, Dr. Mehring and the other members of the West Chestnut Hill Condo Assoc., we too grieve at his passing. He beautifully and faithfully did our landscaping for many years. He will be missed!
Rick Waterhouse
Susan, Robert, and Ryan,
I am sad to hear of Zach’s death. I remember him and you, Ryan, from Downes Elementary. I don’t have much comfort to offer you but I wanted to get in touch. I had just posted my class list and seating chart for the year I had Zach in third grade, 1996-97 school year. Many comments are showing up today, from Chris Darring, Amy Maguire, Sarah Wegman, and other classmates Zach had that year. I am sorry Zach could not see them too, to know I remembered him and to reconnect with old friends.
We are a church family, so I will say some prayers for Zach, and you and your families. We have not lost a child, so I can only imagine the sadness you must feel. But I’ll pray that you can find some peace in a while. I remember seeing you, Robert, at the coffee house in North East. Maybe we’ll see you there again when life returns to a more normal flow.
We will make a donation to The Nature Conservancy in Zach’s name. Take care.
Love,
“Mr. Waterhouse”
Dave & Patti Adcock
Bob, Teri, and family,
We are so sorry to read the sad news about Zach. We are sure all those he touched with his kindness will forever remember him, as will we. May your memories of him uplift your spirits during this most difficult time.
Our sincerest condolences,
Dave and Patti
Jill Shoop
Susan and Kevin, our hearts ache for you and you are in our prayers. RIP Zach.
John Ford
I’ll miss Zach, and I’m so happy to have gotten to know him for the last three years. He was a joy to be around.
Sandy Gibbs
My condolences for your loss.
Knowing that he is now at peace is priceless.
Prayers for everyone’s comfort as you cope with the loss of this wonderful young man.
Mary Anne Ridoux
My heart reaches out to you all.
J still remember the wonderful barbecue at your house by the water.
Zach’s Obituary. was so beautiful. May he reach down and help us all follow his tradition of reachimg out to
others!
Elaine Zingaro
I am so sorry for this loss. I will cherish memories of Zach when he was younger. He and Ryan had such good times with my boys. Such fun and happy memories.❤️
Nancyjean Petro
So sorry for your loss.
Nancy Petro
Carolyn Egner Grant
So sorry to see this. I will do random acts of kindness in his honor.
Jennifer Hill
I’m so sorry for your loss. We really loved him.
Jennifer Hill, Tim Barchak, Keely, Jill, Jake
Debbie Claussen Viviani
So saddened to hear of Zach’s passing . The Dayton family’s togetherness, love and friendship will always be cherished by those fortunate enough to have experienced it. You all are in my thoughts and prayers . Love, Debbie