Dr. Henry C. Zabierek

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Chelmsford High School Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School University of Rhode Island

Henry Zabierek Obituary

Dr. Henry C. Zabierek was Townsend schoolteacher, Army vet; 84 PHILADELPHIA, PA Dr. Henry C. Zabierek, died on October 31, 2008, in Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, from heart failure. He was born on June 8, 1924 in Chelmsford, MA, son of Walter and Helena Zabierek. Graduated, Chelmsford High School (1942) Class President. Elected to Chelmsford High School Hall of Fame in 1992. Received full basketball scholarship to the University of Rhode Island where he played forward for legendary coach Frank Keaney in a national championship game in 1946; he graduated (English and History) in 1950. Served in the Unites States Army as a Staff Sergeant in the Pacific Arena (New Guinea, Philippines, 1942 1946) where he was wounded in action and later received the Purple Heart. Upon graduation, began a 40-year career in education as an English and History teacher in Townsend, MA. Married Marilyn Doyle in 1953; they divorced in 1981. Taught history and coached basketball and baseball at the Punahou School in Honolulu, HI from 1953 to 1958. His players from the 1958 teams honored him at their 40th reunion weekend in 1998 (which he attended in Honolulu). Taught American European history and served as an administrator at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School in Sudbury from 1958 to 1969. During this time (1961), he received his Masters in Education from Boston University. While retired from coaching, he kept his hand in the local scholastic sports scene as a football andbasketball color analyst for radio station WKOX (Framingham) broadcast of Bay State League games. In 1969 1970, took a sabbatical to study for his doctorate degree in History at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He received a Doctor of Arts in History in 1981 Served the Brookline, MA public schools at the Director of Social Studies from 1970 to 1981. It was during his tenure in Brookline that he oversaw the development and implementation of "Facing History and Ourselves" a comprehensive K-12 curriculum about the Holocaust and other episodes of genocide, which became a lifelong passion. Retired for the first time in 1989, and missed teaching and training other teachers so much that he returned to public education as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Lebanon, NH for another 10 years. Spurred by the success of "Facing History and Ourselves" Dr. Zabierek became an outspoken advocate for connecting the teaching of history in public schools to moral choices. His passion for giving students more than mere facts to prepare them to be informed citizens was the hallmark of his career. He wrote a number of articles for national publications and was a speaker at national conferences. Dr. Zabierek leaves four sons, Mark of Pittsburgh, PA, John of Philadelphia, PA, Peter of Philadelphia, PA, and Paul of Fairfax, CA; and eight grandchildren. ZABIEREK A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 14 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's of the Assumption Church (5 Linden Place) in Brookline Village. A reception will immediately follow the memorial service in the community room of the church. Donations may be made in Dr. Zabierek's memory to Facing History And Ourselves (16 Hurd Rd., Brookline, MA 02445 or www.facinghistory.org).

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Published by Lowell Sun on Nov. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Henry Zabierek

3 Entries

Tom Metcalf

December 6, 2008

We first met Hank and Marilyn when they arrived at Punahou in 1953. Their friendliness and outgoing manner, as well as Hank's quick wit and sense of humor, made them instant favorites with the other faculty members. Hank's easy going manner in the classroom and in athletics belied a demand for high standards
and hard work. His students instantly realized that he would not accept anything less than that they give their best at all times. Hank became a favorite with the students of the Class of 1958 who relished his ability to praise with the put down or 'chop'. To be singled out by Hank became a badge of honor among his classroom students and team members. The Class honored Hank by including his picture in the senior section of the yearbook and awarding him the 1958 Hatchet Award.

Glenice Kelley

November 10, 2008

I feel so privileged to have taught and worked in the Westford Schools when Hank was Curriculm Co-ordinator. He inspired excellence and was supportive of efforts to involve students in critical thinking. My own sensitivity to individual differences was largely influenced by his teaching the Facing History course for faculty and community. My husand and i shared many conversations and meals with Hank during our retirements. He was a courageous and creative leader. Sadly, our last time with Hank was spent in helping him pack up his car to leave Brookline for Florida.

Judith Culver

November 9, 2008

It was my honor to serve on the School Committee which hired Hank in the 1980's to direct program improvements for the Westford schools. He provided a world view for our staff and students which I
appreciated as much as I enjoyed his humor. He was a unique person whose presence enhanced every occasion.

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