Stephen Edward “Zar” Zarlengo
Stephen Edward “Zar” Zarlengo, 75, of Wooster, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2025, at Akron General Hospital. A dedicated educator, passionate coach, and beloved family man, Steve left an indelible mark on the local community through his decades of service in education and wrestling.
Born on January 14, 1950, in Wooster, Ohio, to Francis and Flo (Baney) Zarlengo, Steve was a lifelong resident of Wayne County. He graduated from Triway High School in 1968 and went on to earn his degree from Ohio State University in 1972.
Steve’s educational career was defined by his commitment to teaching and coaching. He began his professional journey at Norwayne Local Schools, where he taught and coached football and wrestling at Norwayne High School. He later returned to his alma mater, Triway High School, where he taught science, OWA and OWE, and served as a respected wrestling and football coach.
His passion for wrestling extended far beyond the classroom and athletic fields. Steve became a wrestling official for 35 years, earning significant recognition in the sport. His expertise was widely acknowledged, as evidenced by his induction into the Ohio Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame in 2018. He served as the Wayne County Wrestling Officials Rules Interpreter for 20 years and was an OHSAA Wrestling Instructor from 2003 to 2018.
In 1971, Steve married the love of his life, Susan McVey, and they celebrated 53 years of marriage last September. Their enduring partnership was a testament to their deep love and commitment.
Steve is survived by his devoted wife Susan; daughter Jennifer Zarlengo Moore (Al) of North Carolina; grandchildren Alivia Scalia and Ava Scalia of Canton, Ohio, Corbin Scalia of Portage Lakes, Ohio; and Giada Zarlengo of Wooster, Ohio; mother-in-law Helen McVey of Creston, Ohio; brothers-in-law Ric (Nori) McVey of California and Bill (Kim) McVey of Creston, Ohio; Nephews Mike (Sharon) Black, Patrick (Trice) Black, Jon (Carolyn) Black and numerous other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Jane Black, his son Mark, and his father-in-law Kenny McVey.
Steve will be remembered as an exceptional educator, a dedicated coach, and a loving family man who touched countless lives through his teaching, mentorship, and passion for life. His commitment to education and sports inspired generations of students and athletes.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Wooster Community Hospital and Akron General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster with Father Stephen Moran officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St. Wooster.
Online condolences may be directed to www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
I’ll never forget playing cards and having a few beers with Steve. We definitely had some great times over the years the man ran by his own law.
Def one of my favorite coaches I ever played for. RIP Coach Zar
Steve was not only my neighbor, but my friend. Anytime I needed a hand, he was always there. I valued his advice and often asked him for it. He will be missed.
Steve always had something to share and laugh about. RIP my friend.
Our heartfelt sympathy to Sue and family. I always looked forward to working the mats with Zar, whether in his beloved Wayne County or elsewhere in Ohio. He brought a unique perspective to the wrestling world and his zest for life and humor served him well. The man was loved and admired by so many.
Respectfully,
John and Wanda Herman
Always looking forward to seeing Zar. He had a way of always making you laugh. Great guy!
Spent many Friday nights with Zar as our boys played together on the football team our pre game party’s were legendary is u ol friend
Spent many Friday nights with Zar as our boys played together on the football team our pre game party’s were legendary is miss u ol friend
Zar was a great guy and will be missed dearly! I was fortunate to work with him at Triway. We had a lot of great times in and out of school. One of my favorite memories was when I subbed for him. His lesson plans were on the chalk board and they read “Turn on the TV.” Another favorite time was the baseball trip to Florida. The coaches, parents and kids had a blast! Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Stay strong and you are loved!
Zar! We had so many laughs in the teachers’lounge and they kept us sane. You were and always will be one of a kind…beloved by so many..Condolences to Susie and Jen and family..RIP, Zar.
Steve – a life well lived, RIP my friend. Susie & Jenny, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My condolences to the entire family and friends. Being a Triway Student, you always knew when he was close, laughter and loud conversations going on. May he Rest in Peace.
Zar was the best at making us average wrestlers feel as special as the best wrestlers. He taught me a lot about having passion for what you are doing and when I started coaching high school 25 years ago I wanted to be Like Zar. Truely a sad day and wish I could have told him how much he inspired me.
A wonderful mentor, coach and friend whom I was able to keep up with for being a dear friend to the Wright family. May he rest in peace!
Zar was always one of my favorite coaches and teachers. Always enjoyed seeing him from time to time and catching up. He will be dearly missed by all
Zar will definitely be missed by so many. I was blessed to be a student of his and then a colleague later on. I will always remember our Outdoor Education Staff gatherings at the “dump” eating fresh fried fish and mushrooms as Zar entertained us with his funny stories. My favorite was the time he got his hand stuck in the Coke machine in the staff room.😊
My deepest sympathy to Susie, Jen, and Family.
I am really going to miss you Zar! I enjoyed talking to you every week.Thanks for all the great stories! I have many good memories when you were my 7th and 8th grade wrestling coach,and also football.Alex and I sure had fun with you at the Corvette show buddy.R.I.P.my friend!
I first met Zar at the poker table back in 1972, when we were pups. Those card games were legendary! In later years we shared an office at THS as teachers. There was never a dull moment! He was also one of my assistant coaches during my tenure as head football coach at Triway. He enjoyed working with kids and had his own way of doing things for sure. I know how respected he was for all of his contributions to wrestling. His gun collection is amazing with a special emphasis on military items. Zar was passionate about everything that he was involved in. I will never forget the retirement party that he put together for me. What a night! He touched so many lives and will be dearly missed. My condolences to the Zarlengo family. RIP my friend, I will never forget you and all of the good times that we shared!
Mr Zarlengo could always make us laugh in science class. I was so impressed that when I ran into him more then twenty years after I graduated from Triway that he still remembered me and of course made me laugh. Made everyone’s life better.
It has been a privilege living nextdoor to Steve from gradeschool through highschool. I always thought of him as one of the coolest teachers at Triway. He was a great neighbor & friend. My heart breaks for you, Susan & Jenny. May the Lord be with and comfort you in the days, weeks & months to come. Love you. ~A
He was a wonderful addition to our family. Always had a smile for everyone. He was a super grandpa to the grandchildren. He will be missed in our get together and our lives.
He was a wonderful addition to our family. Always had a smile for everyone. He was a super grandpa to the grandchildren. He will be missed in our get togethers and our luves.
He was a wonderful addition to our family. Steve was a super grandpa. He will be missed in the summer swim parties. He always had a smile for everyone. We will miss him terrible.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
“Flyer,” as we called him, was one of the most liked guys in the class of ’68 at Triway. As teenagers, I never will forget our secret trip to a burlesque show in Canton. His idea. So we would not get caught by our parents, we listened to the Triway basketball game on the radio on the way over because we were supposed to be at the game. And to this day, I remember Steve dodging the chuck holes on Rt. 172 on the way over, with all of us laughing. RIP, Steve!
Remember him from flyers place on Palmer st. He was related to them. Sorry for the family loss.
He was a great classmate. I remember the parties at my house in high school with his infectious laughter. Our group of friends have lots of memories. Condolences and prayers to his family.
Sue, my heart aches for your loss. As noted in his obituary, Steve was a remarkable man—kind, steady, and full of warmth. Holding you and your family close in thought and prayer during this more than difficult time.
🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻 for the entire Zarlengo family.. Steve was an excellent teacher & coach . Hang on to all the cherished memories that will live on in your hearts.
Go rest high upon that mountain my child your work on earth is down go to heaven a shouting .Look for the father and the son. REST IN PEACE Zar
Go rest high upon that mountain my child your work on earth is done go to heaven a shouting .Look for the father and the son. REST IN PEACE Zar
I have not spoke with you and your family since my sister, your daughter and I were majorettes. I do remember traveling to different parades/festivals and having a wonderful time in your presence. Thank you for making a wonderful impact on the community. Rest in peace Mr. Zarlengo. To the family, I am sending prayers from Texas to find peace in your hearts.
It was an honor and privilege to have worked many wrestling tournaments with Zar. Better yet were the laughs and friendship we shared after the tournament was over. One thing I noticed and admired about Zar very rarely did a wrestling coach question his judgment on a tough call in a match. His calm and carefree demeanor seemed to ease any situation. Like many others Zar will be missed but his legacy will live on!
Susan and family my sincere condolences to you all for the loss of Steve. He was just a couple years older than me and I met him my first year teaching. We connected more often lately when I was Mayor of Orrville and I would see Steve when he came to the Title office. We talked Buckeye football, Triway and Orrville sports. Always a fun conversation! Just a great person! Dave Handwerk
Our Heart Felt Condolences to Michael, Pat and John
Rest In Peace Zar.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love from the Simmons Family.
Triway Nation lost another good man. Excellent educator, Good man, Good Friend. May you rest in peace, Flyer. You will be greatly missed. God Bless.
Many of my childhood memories had “Coach Zarlengo” in them. Our families have been connected over the years in so many ways. He was always good for a laugh and I’ll never forget his passion for football and wrestling. Peace and prayers to Suzy and Jen.