WESTFIELD – Walter J. Zarichak, 86, of Westfield passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. He was born July 6, 1928 in Westfield, son of the late Cyril and Julia (Tropp) Zarichak. Walter worked in the Art Material Industry in Connecticut and New York City and was a past President of the National Material Trade Association and a member Emeritus of the Salmagundi Artists’ Club in New York City. He retired in 1992 as VP National Sales Manager for Alvin Co. That year he opened Z Gallery, a custom framing business which he owned for 10 years.
Walter was a WWII Army Veteran serving in Japan. He was a member of Westfield’s American Legion 124 and was both a past Commander and a past Chaplin. He also served at the State level as Vice Chair of the Legislative Committee. A lifelong resident of Westfield he served as a member and Chairman of the Westfield Airport Committee. Walter was very proud of his Slovak heritage and was a long time member of the St. Stephen’s Society and the Slovak Citizens Club. Most recently Walter dedicated his time to the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke. He was appointed by the Governor as a Trustee and was also President of the Friends of the Soldier’s Home.
Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Shirley (Coash) Zarichak; his sister, Mary (Zarichak) Petrucelli and 4 devoted children, Patricia Johnson and her husband David of Westfield, Peter Zarichak of Southwick, Carol Glynn and her husband Thomas of Westfield, Susan Zarichak of Westfield and two grandchildren, Adam Glynn of Arizona and Hannah Glynn of Westfield.
A funeral will be held Monday at 9:30 a.m. from the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Soldier’s Home of Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.
www.firtionadams.com
