Victor William “Vic” Zabicki, 86, of Gloucester, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Regency Health and Rehabilitation Center after he fought a 16-year battle with heart disease and multiple strokes.

He was born in New York on February 3, 1930, to Victor and Mary Zabicki. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War. He retired from the Gloucester County Public School System as foreman of custodial services.

Vic was an accomplished carpenter and painter with attention to detail second to none. He also was a caretaker for White Hall Plantation, earning the name of zookeeper, due to the different animals there, such as Buffalo, Cheetah, Hippopotamus, Jaguars, and a Lion to name a few. Vic hosted and entertained many children on field trips from the local schools to visit with the animals.

He was a New York Giants and Yankees fan and enjoyed many hobbies especially gardening, flowers and bowling, which he shared with his wife. He was an avid saltwater fisherman, gardener, golfer, and spent a lot of time growing Japanese Red Maples from seedlings and Iris.  Vic was a man of small frame, his physical presence and demeanor commanded respect from all. However, he never met a stranger—he would give anyone a hand, the shirt off his back or the last dollar in his wallet to someone in need. Through Vic’s actions he taught his son hard lessons in work ethic, to keep your promises and to always exceed expectations. Most importantly, he never gave up and never quit—these attributes have been strongly conveyed to his beloved grandchildren. Vic was physically unable to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events and matches. He could not wait to hear how they and their teams did and looked forward to reading the sports page to see their names in the newspaper.  Further, it brought tears to the eyes of a very stoic man when he was shown articles, game footage and pictures of the kids on and off the field. He was so very, very proud of his grandchildren. His presence here will be missed, but his memory will always live in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Fran Zabicki of Gloucester; son, Paul and wife Angie of Yorktown; grandchildren, MacKenzie, Bentley, Grant and Addyson Grace, and his faithful Frenchie, Walyo.

A service of Christian Liturgy officiated by the Rev. James Cowles will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 2, 2016, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Gloucester. Interment will be private.  The family will receive friends prior to the service on Friday, from 9-9:45 at the church.

Thank you to the caregivers and Regency Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care and support given to Vic.

In Vic’s memory, the family desires contributions be given to the American Heart Association, c/o Anne Dyal, 8374 Kitchener Drive, Gloucester, Va. 23061 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point. Family and friends may share condolences and memories at www.hoggfh.com