Dr. Zacharie Joseph Clements, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at the age of 89.
Zach was born on July 22, 1936, in New York. Abandoned as a young child, he was raised by relatives outside of New York City. His will to succeed was nourished by the love and wisdom from his immigrant grandparents, aunts and uncles and support from his teachers. This grit, resilience and zeal for life set Zach on an upward journey from ghetto to public acclaim.
Zach attended the University of New York in Albany, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. While attending college, he met the love of his life, Cynthia, who would become his wife and best friend of 69 years. While teaching at the junior high and high school levels in the Buffalo area, Zach went on to earn a second master’s and a doctorate from the University of Buffalo. Months before his passing, Zach was awarded University of Vermont Professor Emeritus, an accomplishment in which he took great pride.
In 1970 Zach began his career at UVM, quickly becoming a beloved professor. In 1983 he took his craft from the classroom to the stage and became a full-time motivational speaker, inspiring people worldwide to perform at their very best, through storytelling, humor and candor. His message was energized by an avid hold on life, tempered by old-world values and warmed by a teacher’s love of people.
Affectionately referred to by his family as “the Big Z” or “Poppy,” it was time spent with his wife, family and friends that brought him his greatest joy. During their long marriage, Zach enjoyed tinkering with Cindy in their homes and gardens in Burlington, Charlotte and South Burlington, and they shared a mutual love of sailing, spending many summers exploring Lake Champlain on their sailboats, Karma and Kismet. His passion for cooking, including Chinese and Italian feasts, brought family and friends of all ages together for many unforgettable and merry times. He was an original member of the Vermont National Country Club, where he enjoyed years of laughter and golf with the “Five Amigos.” Until his death, his daily routine included at least one form of exercise, and he (and Cindy) would often be found at their favorite health club, the Edge.
Zach is survived by his three children, Ed (Devina Clements), Nancy (James Edgerton) and Jill (Brian Day); grandchildren, Katherine Edgerton (Jessi Waters Edgerton), Mac Edgerton (Christina Sciarrino), Elisabeth Day (Anthony Massina) and Zacharie Day; and great-grandchildren, Poppy, Nell and Emelia. In addition to his beloved Cynthia, Zach was also predeceased by his father, Zacharie J. Clements; mother, Pauline Cameron; and brother-in-law Edward P. Willis.
Zach was a bright light; kind, loving and interested in others, with an electric personality and the gift of gab, which was evidenced in his overwhelming care for everyone he knew. A proud Italian American, he never forgot his roots and what he had overcome. He loved spending time with his children, sons-in-law and grandchildren, smelling the roses along the way. His church and faith meant the world to him, and he lived his life by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The world and community lost a great one. He will be forever missed by so many.
A private family memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Shelburne, Vt.
A celebration of Zach and Cindy’s life together will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, and will be open to all. Details to follow.
Memorial contributions to honor Zach’s memory may be made in his name to the Meditation and Memorial Garden Fund, c/o Trinity Episcopal Church, 5171 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, VT 05482.