Zachary Prihoda

Zachary “Zach” Alexander Prihoda was taken too soon from this world on Friday, September 18, 2020 at 28 years of age in Brazoria County.

Also known affectionately as “Bubba” to his family, Zach was a devoted son, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle, grandson, and friend. Zach was an entertaining source of joy to his family, happy since his premature arrival on September 1, 1992 (a full month and six days early). He loved nothing more than helping his father, Donnie, with a project; cooking with his mother, Annette; or irritating or helping (depending on the day or the hour) his older sisters, Danielle and Paige.

Zach had a love of animals and the outdoors. He was devoted to his pets – his blue heeler Ash and his bearded dragon Terrance. These animals were “well cared for” or “spoiled” depending on who you asked. He lived by the motto “The Salt Life” and could regularly be found at the beach or near any body of water with family and friends.

A true jokester who brought light to any room, Zach loved nothing more than making people laugh and being a source of happiness for all. He regularly would dress up as Santa at Zwahr Christmas gatherings to be able to be the one handing out toys to the children in attendance. He was always happy to visit with anyone and was known for starting the conversation or the party on the Prihoda side of the family.

Growing up Zach participated in the Damon KJZT Jr. Society, Needville FFA, Sweeny 4-H, Angleton Willing Workers 4-H, and Needville High School Culinary Arts.

Zach loved cooking with his Mom from a young age, but his passion for culinary arts was found in high school, but really blossomed under the guidance of his mentor Chef Mary Bass.  Mary was instrumental in helping him find his life’s work and calling with food. After earning his culinary arts degree, Zach worked several jobs before advancing to become catering manager at the San Luis resort in Galveston.  He loved the food industry and the people in it, and he formed some of his closest friendships there.  He was always eager to help family and friends with food projects, on or off the clock, and he was not scared to correct how someone was doing something with his perfectionist demeanor in this area.

Zach was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sophie and Rudolph Prihoda, Sr. and Janice and Calvin Zwahr, Sr.; his uncle, Wayne Gundermann Sr.; and his cousin, Regina Prihoda Genzer.

Zach is survived by his parents, Annette and Donnie Prihoda; sisters and brothers-in-law, Danielle and Anthony McLure and Paige and Cody Kalmus; nephew, Chase Lehde-Kalmus; mentor, Chef Mary Bass; special friends, Chef Kayleigh Lashway and Jonathan O’Malley; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, loved ones, and friends.

Viewing and visitation will be held at C. T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home (634 S. Columbia Drive) in West Columbia on Thursday, September 24, from 6-7 pm immediately followed by a Rosary beginning at 7 pm.

Funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 25, at 10 am at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church (603 Parrott Ave) in Damon. A repast will be held immediately after the funeral at First English Lutheran Church (3615 College / CR 264K) in Damon.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Prihoda, Michael Trusty, Chris Lattie, Justin Zwahr, Jonathan O’Malley, Chef Feron McLemore, Jon Morales and Jacob Couey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chef Mary Bass, Chef Kayleigh Lashaway, and Chef Jordan Folse.

In honor of his casual approach to life and clothing, the family ask that attendees dress comfortably and brightly. Those in the culinary industry are encouraged to wear chef attire and others are encouraged to wear fishing shirts or other colorful and comfortable clothing with jeans.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support a culinary scholarship in Zach’s name at Alvin Community College online or by mailing a check to the Alvin Community College Foundation at 3110 Mustang Road, Alvin, TX, 77511. Please note on the donation that it is made in memory of Zachary Prihoda.