Maurice Zarch Zarchen

Maurice “Zarch” Zarchen, 90, of Kingston, RI, died peacefully at home on Saturday, October 9, 2010. He was the beloved husband of Barbara (Tresler) Zarchen. They were married for 56 years. Born in Pawtucket, RI on August 29, 1920, he was the son of the late Louis and Anna (Zarkin) Zarchen, and brother of the late Oscar Zarchen and Rose (Zarchen) Glantz. Besides his wife, he is survived by daughters, Jane Vachon of Wilmington, NC, Ann Knoblock and her husband, Henry of Sudbury, MA, and grandchildren Christopher, Caroline, and Sophia Knoblock. Zarch enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served in the infantry for three years during the Second World War. He received several commendations including, two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze star. As a member of the infantry, he participated in the landing at Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day, the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge, and the crossing of the Rhine River at Remagen. After his military service, he graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1949 and received his Master's Degree from Columbia University. Zarch was Director of Athletics at URI for 19 years, following six successful years as head coach of basketball at Pratt Institute. He was chairman of the URI Department of Physical Education for 13 years, and is credited with much of the growth of the Department of Athletics and its teams during his administrative tenure. He was a member of the University Club, The Dunes Club and Point Judith Country Club. Relatives and friends are invited to attend A Celebration of His Life on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 11AM in the Kingston Congregational Church, 2610 Kingstown Road, Kingston, RI. Interment will be private in Old Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston, RI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the URI Foundation in support of The Maurice Zarchen Endowment Fund in Hockey, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881-2023.