Zinovy Kotlyar

Private Family Service

Zinovy Kotlyar passed away on Saturday May 29^th, 2021. Beloved husband of Nelly, loving and devoted father of Max, Fillip, and Valerie, cherished grandfather of Jacob, Ariella, Danika, and Callie.

He will be forever in our hearts and minds. He was our strengths and the greatest gift we ever had. We could not imagine what life would be without him.

There will be a family graveside service on Sunday morning. May his memory be a blessing.

Date of Death: Saturday, May 29, 2021

Yahrzeit Day: Sivan 18

Date of Funeral: Sunday, May 30, 2021

Memorial Service Location: Private Family Service

Burial Service Location: Pardes Chaim Cemetery, Community section.

Shiva Details: Shiva private

Message of Condolence

Posted on 30.05.2021 - 9:42 AM

Joy Axmith

I am very sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing. Sincerely, Joy Axmith (colleague from Stephen Lewis SS)

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 10:48 AM

Elisa Shiffman (Stephen Lewis S.S.)

Sincere condolences on your loss. May you find comfort with your loved ones during this difficult time.

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 10:57 AM

Joe Simonetti

My deepest condolences for your loss. I enjoyed working with Zinovy for many years and he always made me laugh and shared many fun and interesting stories about the "old country." Rest in peace my friend ? (Hodan Nalayeh S.S formerly Vaughan S.S)

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 11:32 AM

Mary Ventrella

So sorry for your loss. I will always remember him for his cheery conversations about art and life. May he Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time Mary Ventrella SLSS

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 11:38 AM

Tom Nadasdi

Deepest condolences to the family. I'll remember Zinovy for his humour and life stories.

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 1:13 PM

Judy Wadowski

May his memory give you much needed comfort in this difficult time. (Stephen Lewis S.S.)

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 4:51 PM

Marissa Revzen-Ellis

I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing. Marissa Revzen-Ellis Stephen Lewis

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 5:26 PM

Muna Kadri

My condolences to your family during this incredibly difficult time. I worked with Zinvoy for many years and he left an impression on everyone he met. We had many talks where he imparted wisdom and shared life stories. May his memory be a blessing.

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 5:30 PM

Rebecca DeMille

Thinking of you all. Zac was a great sorry teller and always kind to me at VSS. May his memory be a blessing.

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 6:18 PM

Diana Morgenthau

Kotlyar family I was fortunate to know Zach from Vaughan S.S. where we were long time colleagues. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Zach and I had many discussions about his family and the last time I saw him was in the halls of Stephen Lewis s.s. where I was supplying. We had a wonderful conversation and caught up. He always made me smile with his stories. I hope his memory will be a blessing and bring you some comfort at this difficult time. Diana Morgenthau Vaughan S.S. retired

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 6:53 PM

Stavros Naxakis

Dearest Nelly and children - you all have our deepest sympathies for your loss. Our family has the fondest memories of good times together as our children were growing up. Stavros and I will always cherish our teaching memories together with Zach during our many years at Vaughan SS. May he rest in peace. All our love Stavros, Anna and kids

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 7:41 PM

Peter Rousianos

My sincere condolences on your loss. May his memory be a blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Sincerely Peter Rousianos(colleague from Hogan Nalayeh former VSS)

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 9:09 PM

Ellana Tyles

So very sorry for your loss. Zachar was a friendly and a kind man, always cheerful and pleasant. We have known him since moving in the neighborhood 14 years ago. May his memory be a blessing to you. Your neighbors Alik, Ellana, Ariel, Rebecca.

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 9:16 PM

Marc Nimigon

My condolences to Nelly, Valerie and family - I’m sorry for your loss. We will remember the stories and laughter he brought to our Math workroom and staff/department parties over the years. He will be missed.

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Posted on 30.05.2021 - 9:35 PM

Mark Lewkowicz

My sincere condolences. I worked with Zach for many years at vss, and will always remember his love of telling stories and jokes. My thoughts are with your family

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 6:06 AM

Lauren Reim

I was deeply saddened to hear of Zach’s passing. He was always such a funny and kind man whenever we had a conversation at VSS. My sincere condolences to his family; may his memory be a blessing!

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 8:50 AM

Isa Santorelli

My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Rest is peace. (Isa Santorelli Stephen Lewis Secondary School)

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 9:32 AM

Joe Caporicci

I'm so sorry for your loss, I send my condolences to you and your whole family. (SLSS colleague)

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 10:41 AM

Debi Weinrieb

To the family of Mr. Kotlyar, I send my condolences. Your husband, father and grandfather was a dedicated and unforgetable educator. He had an innate ability to guide and challenge his students to reach, and exceed, their individual abilities. The lessons and skills he imparted to my children (both former VSS students) extended beyond the classroom and into their adult lives. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 10:52 AM

Georgia Vamvakitis (SLSS colleague)

Sincere condolences for your loss. Take comfort in knowing that he will live on in your memories and your hearts. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 11:21 AM

Sam Giraldi

My deepest condolences to your family. Sam Giraldi and family

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 11:24 AM

Tamara Puccio

My heartfelt condolences go out to your family. May you find comfort in loving memories. (SLSS)

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 12:09 PM

Nathalie Rudner

I am sorry for your loss. I taught with Zach for many years and remember him as a passionate and caring person. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 12:17 PM

Rubinder Sadyora

I am very sorry for your loss. I have worked with Zac for many years and remember him as a lively and cheerful person. Please stay strong in this difficult time. Rubinder sadyora from Hodan Nalyeh school formerly known as Vaughn secondary.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 12:24 PM

Preeti Luhar

Sincere condolences. Zac was a truly creative individual who had many extraordinary talents that many may not have even known about. My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Zac...you will be missed.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 1:24 PM

Nick Priore

I am so sorry for your loss. He was an excellent fencing instructor and an even better man. He will be missed.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 5:36 PM

Tony Brnadic

My sincere condolences go out to the Kotlyar family. I’m sorry for your loss. I will remember the many laughs Zach and I shared over the years in the math office. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 6:25 PM

Balazs Sebok

Deepest Condolences to the whole Family!

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 7:58 PM

Greg Kostyk

Thoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time. My deepest condolences.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 8:03 PM

Aaron Faulkner

My sincerest condolences to the family. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Although I did not know him as well as some, I will fondly remember our time together as colleagues at VSS and the straightforwardness, intelligence and wit that he so kindly shared with the world.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 8:28 PM

K Choo

Zack always took the time to share his Art and Fencing stories during his time at VSS. My condolences for your loss.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 8:51 PM

Debbie Brass

Dear Kotylar family, I was very saddened to learn of the passing of your husband/father. He was a wonderful human being and will be remembered fondly. Thinking of you all, sending love and strength.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 9:32 PM

Alex

What a great art teacher.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 10:24 PM

Nikky Soora

Deepest condolences for your loss. Zach will be remembered for his strength and for his love of family. We taught together at VSS and he was always full of stories to share. May he rest in peace.

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Posted on 31.05.2021 - 10:42 PM

Michael Hastings-Grgas

Master Zachary Kotlyar was an inspiring and powerful mentor for a young fencer with big dreams. His example will live on in every student who had the honor of studying under him, and his memory will live on. My deepest condolences to his family and friends, know that there are many who feel his loss deeply.

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 12:43 AM

Larisa K.

Dear Nelly and Family, We are very sad to hear the news regarding your husband. Please accept our condolences. We remember you from Robert Hicks Drive, by that time we lived on 601 Finch Ave, West. We are from Kiev, Ukraine. Larisa and Irina.

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 8:48 AM

Christina Yuan

To the Kotlyar Family, Please accept my deepest condolences. I was able to work with Zinovy for a few years and I will remember his humour and passion for art always. The way he lit up when talking about creating, and his enthusiasm for sharing his art continues to be an inspiration to me. Best Regards, Christina Yuan

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 9:15 AM

Gaby Weisz

It is with profound regret that we learned the passing of Zach Kotlyar one of our own. On behalf of the Veterans Committee of the Canadian Fencing Federation we express our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 9:15 AM

Rebecca Ziskine

Mr Kotlyar was an amazing teacher in grade 10, I had him as my careers teacher we always talked about art and he should me his oil painting that he created. He will be missed. As well as a career teacher he was very kind and loved to help students who needed it the most. Rest in paradise ??

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 9:16 AM

Gavin Howe

My deepest sympathies to the Kotlyar family. Sending love and prayers to you during this incredibly difficult time. I was his co-worker at formerly Vaughan Secondary and will cherish the memories that I have of jokes and laughs shared between us.

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 9:30 AM

Gus Gymnopoulos

Sincerest Condolences to the entire family. Zach and I would often have great conversations on a variety of topics such as sports, watches, politics, and much more. He was the schools (VSS) first and only fencing coach which was so amazing at the time. He had a great perspective on things and he will be missed. Rest in Peace Zach

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 10:16 AM

David Donovan

It has been many years, but it seems like yesterday that Zach was my fencing coach at York U. He was a good man with many talents and will be missed.

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 10:29 AM

Ron Johnson

Our hearts were very saddened to hear of the passing Zinovy. It is difficult to know what to say at a time like this. To lose ones husband/parent is like seeing half of you life pass in front of you. It is said that parents give their children two of the greatest gifts roots and wings. Some people say that time heals and I really don't think it does. I do believe though that in time you will form your own special memories of Zinovy. Those will be the best as like thin threads of gold they will never tarnish or grow old.

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 10:41 AM

Irene Nicolaou

My sincere condolences to your family. Zach had a great sense of humour and we always had a laugh when he would drop by the office. May his memory be eternal. Irene Nicolaou (former colleague at VSS now Hodan Nalayeh SS).

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 11:02 AM

Diane Penafiel

My sincere condolences to all in the family. I worked with Zach for several years and he was down-to-earth, intelligent and talented. May your memories of all the good times bring you comfort.

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 11:18 AM

Lorraine Ghobrial

I’m so sorry to hear of Zach’s passing. We taught for many years together at VSS. He so often made me smile. The community has lost a unique voice. Zach was one of a kind. Every story he ever told me was told with that infamous twinkle in his eye. Wickedly funny. Enduringly strong. My condolences to the whole Kotlyar family. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 11:32 AM

Kayla Kopel

My sincerest condolences to the whole family. Dr. Kotlyar was my grade 11 math teacher at Stephen Lewis Secondary School and he was truly an amazing person. He was very kind and encouraging and he would always make the whole class laugh. He will be sorely missed and may his memory forever be a blessing❤️

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 12:31 PM

Elaine Birta

My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with your family in this trying and sad time. May you gather strength from each other and the love you had from Zack. May he rest in peace and watch over you with a loving hand. Elaine Birta - a former colleague of Zack at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary

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Posted on 01.06.2021 - 4:19 PM

Mike Prades

My deepest condolences. I was a fencing student of Zach's more than 30 years ago and to this day I am greatful for the lessons he imparted. The legacy he leaves with all the students he coached or taught through the years will persist. I raise my sword in salute.

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Posted on 04.06.2021 - 2:37 PM

Corey Gold

My condolences to the entire family. I will always remember Zinovy's stories and sense of humour. We worked together at Vaughan Secondary School.

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Posted on 06.06.2021 - 2:46 PM

Patricia Obadia

My most sincere condolences to the family. May your memories of Zach accompany you forever. (colleague from Hodan Nalayeh former Vaughan SS)

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Posted on 07.06.2021 - 10:07 PM

Simon Trillwood

Dear Zachary. You were a great fencing master and it was a privilege to be part of your team, those many years ago. I fondly remember your enthusiasm for the finer points of the English language and the jokes we tried to translate from Russian and shared, with many a laugh. Over the years we would catch up whenever we met or fenced together, as if it were yesterday. My deepest condolences to Nelly, Max, Phillip and Valerie. Go with God, my good and loyal friend. Simon

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Posted on 23.06.2021 - 6:31 PM

Carly Wasserman

To all of Mr. Kotlyar's family, friends and colleagues. My deepest condolences to everyone. Mr. Kotlyar happened to be my grade 12 math teacher many years ago at Vaughan Secondary School. I will never forget him and how he always smiled and laughed at me because I never understood parabolas. May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem - Ha’makom yenahem etkhem betokh she’ar avelei Tziyonvi’Yerushalayim.

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Posted on 01.09.2021 - 1:08 PM

Lisa

Nelly and family I am so sorry for your loss. Zac was always so kind and giving to Euphemia and I. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with the whole family. Love lisa and Euphemia

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Posted on 11.04.2023 - 2:02 PM

Rebecca Grunfeld

Hi! I was very sorry to hear about Mr. Kotylar's passing. I was a former student and he was an amazing teacher. He was patient, understanding and helped that he spoke my home language. May he always be remembered.

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Posted on 10.11.2023 - 4:30 PM

Sebastian Kliber

Dr. Kotlyar was my grade 9 math teacher in 2019. His teachings taught me the fun of math and how to push through challenges I didn't think possible to overcome. I was inspired by his passion and character, and now I'm studying math in post secondary. Additionally, I've recently picked up fencing and was surprised to discover that Dr. Kotlyar was a fencing master. It makes me happy to enjoy the things he did as well. Thank you Dr. Kotlyar, I will never forget the lessons you passed onto me for the rest of my life.

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