Obituary of Zachary E. Hand

Zachary Evan Hand, 31, of Carney's Point, NJ was set free unexpectedly on December 4, 2023. Our family is devastated and will miss him greatly but we know he is in a better place and is once again whole. Zach was born on February 27, 1992 in Salem, NJ to Linda McDonald (Scott) and Robert Hand, Jr. Zach suffered a severe traumatic brain injury with diffuse axonal injury on June, 10, 2018 from a dirt bike accident in Salem and resided at Carney's Point Care Center for the past five years. After Zach graduated from Woodstown High School, he worked in different odd jobs, enjoying the variety of life and the thrill of learning new trades. He frequently was his Dad's right hand man and was well on his way to learning how to replace a full residential electrical service. He had worked for Clean Harbors as well as Blastech Enterprises as a contractor on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. He was well liked and trusted there and quickly became the operator of a specialized piece of equipment which only a few were trusted with running. Zach was always busy and loved to help mow/landscape for his Uncle's lawn service business, assisted his Aunt with her roofing business as well as helping a few local tree cutting businesses in the area. Zach was also known as being a meticulous handyman for various other residents who were always impressed with Zach's politeness and attention to detail. When he wasn't helping on a job, Zach loved hunting, fishing, ducking and riding ATV's, dirt bikes and had hopes of owning his own motorcycle one day. He also loved cooking and was becoming quite the chef. He loved working on engines and had once contemplated becoming a diesel mechanic. He was in the middle of trying to figure out his future when life suddenly had other plans. Zach had a huge heart and loved animals, especially his boxer, Diesel. He also had the uncanny ability of attracting wild animals and it would not be unusual for him to have pictures holding baby deer, strange looking moths, snakes and other creatures who seemed to gravitate to him while out on job sites. He was also well known for stopping traffic in order to help a turtle cross the road. After his accident, he received many stuffed turtles, turtle pendants, stones, photos and trinkets and the turtle soon became his spirit animal. "Forward is forward, no matter what the pace." He was also a great jokester who loved a good laugh and good prank especially on his sister, Steffanie. He loved teasing her and he was always the one she could count on. His fishing pole has been hanging in her house for the past 5 ½ years waiting for him to come over and fish from her house on the river. She will miss him dearly. Zach also had a large second family at CPCC who loved him. His absence there will be felt by many and his family will be forever grateful and thankful for those there who took him under their wings and became his group of second mommas. We know they are keeping him in their prayers. Zachary, we will always carry your memory in our hearts. You were a beautiful soul and will be hugely missed. Fly free m'boy. Zach is survived by his mother and stepfather, Linda (Scott) and Doug McDonald of Salem (LAC), his father, Robert Hand, Jr. of Salem, his loving sister, Steffanie Hand and her fiancee Joseph Ernst of Pennsville and his stepbrothers, Andrew McDonald (Amber) of Salem, and Douglas Bradway (Kim) of Salem (LAC). His paternal grandmother, Bonnie (Keen) Hand of Pennsville and his maternal grandfather, Trevor Scott, Sr. and his companion Marie Heil of Elsinboro. As well as his grandmother and grandfather Doris and Jim Endres of Ft. Pierce, FL. Aunts and Uncles, Sandy (Scott) Mutz of Pennsville, Sharon (Scott) Fisher of Pennsville, Allen Scott of Elsinboro, Janet (Hand) and Glenn Davis of Salem, Diana Hand of Salem, Lora (Pyla) and Jim Endres of Pennsville and David Endres of Salem. Along with a boatload of cousins – DJ Wood, Amanda Davis, Mia Lopez, Robbie Mutz, Jr. (Sara Ann), Rodney Fisher, Sr. (Rosie), Joshua Fisher (Alexis), Nicole Fisher, Ryan Fisher, Kandace McGinnis (Robb), Kassie Scott, Kourtney Scott, Jared Pennywell (Kayy), Brittney Pennywell, Jim Endres (Kristin), Beth Ann Fredo, Gina Endres, Tremain Endres, and Jordan Endres. Zach was predeceased by his maternal grandmother Barbara (Norton) Scott and paternal grandfather Robert Hand, Sr. as well as his Uncles Rodney Fisher and Robert Mutz, Sr. Those who loved him and want to pay respect, the services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 9th at the Laughrey Funeral Home, One North Broadway, Pennsville, NJ where friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service. Burial will be private. www.laughreyfuneralhome.com