Gregory J. Zorich

Gregory J. Zorich, 61 of Whiting passed away suddenly on Saturday August 3, 2024 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Aline (nee Saliga); loving father of Adam, Nathan, Lea and Luke; cherished brother of Geraldine “Jerry” (George) Toth, Kathy (John) Sandrick, Marie (Ray) Baron and the late Georgene Zorich; dearest son-in-law of Margaret (late George) Saliga; dear brother-in-law of David (Debbie) Saliga, Monique (Rob) Jakubielski, Fr. Chris Saliga, OP and Peter (Jean) Saliga; proud uncle to many nieces and nephews, and favorite companion of the family dog, Cocoa.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 9:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, with the Fr. Chris Saliga, OP., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond. Visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Greg Zorich, better known to all as “Z,” was born on March 19, 1963 to Gregory and Mary “Mae” (Slacanin) Zorich and was a lifelong resident of Whiting. He was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1981 and earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Wabash College in 1985. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, the National Association of Wabash Men, the Croatian Fraternal Union, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and the Knights of Columbus Pope John XXIII Council 1696 (prayers Friday at 6:30pm). A sports enthusiast, Greg played basketball, baseball, and football growing up which led to a four year career playing linebacker and defensive back for the football team at Wabash College. He often used football as an analogy for life and had strong convictions for the values and lessons he learned playing and coaching on the gridiron. Locally, he coached little league, junior high basketball, and high school football. Professionally, he was the Director of NW Health’s Porter Hospital Wound Care Clinic in Valparaiso for the past 14 years. He enjoyed riding his classic Schwinn bike around town, working on home improvement projects, taking care of and spending time with his family and friends. A devoted husband and father, Greg will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers or other gifts of sympathy, the Zorich family asks that appreciated donations be made to Greg's two beloved communities, Whiting and Wabash College. To donate a memorial gift in his honor to Whiting, please give to the Diane Jennings Memorial Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance to Whiting High School students that have chosen to continue their education in college (School City of Whiting Education Foundation, Inc. 1500 Center Street, Whiting, IN 46394. Memo: DJMS (Diane Jennings Memorial Scholarship) on behalf of Greg Zorich 219-659-0656). Memorial donations specific to Greg’s beloved alma mater, Wabash College, can be made to (Wabash College, 301 W. Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville, IN 47933 (wabash.edu/give). For further inquiry about either option Baran Funeral Home can be reached at (219) 659-4400.

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