Walter Zagata Obituary

Walter J. Zagata

AGE: 92 • Pompano Beach, FL

Walter J. Zagata, age 92, passed away peacefully on Jan. 23, 2013 at his home in Pompano Beach, Florida with his loving family at his side. Born in Sayreville, to Peter & Catherine Zagata, he resided in his hometown until moving to Pompano Beach in 1973 for the winters and Long Branch, NJ for the summers. Walter was a graduate of Middlesex County Vocational School where he learned the skills of the welding trade. Walter was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II, serving in the European and Pacific Theaters as a Technical Sergeant. After the war he returned to Sayreville working as a welder at Hercules. While still in his twenties, he took his savings, purchased a used welding machine and truck, and began his dream of owning his own business, Zagata Welding. He referred to himself as "Zagata the Welder from Sayreville".

He worked long hours and managed to operate a very successful business enabling him to retire at the young age of 51! His retirement years were perhaps busier than his working life! He became a New Jersey and Florida Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, and participated in many local community organizations in both states. His real passion, however, was to travel and learn about the world. For over 25 years he enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Leola A. Roels Zagata, who died in 1998. Together they traveled to all seven continent, visiting all Seven Wonders of the World, Mount Everest and the South Pole. In fact, on Walt's 90th birthday celebration, he was quoted as saying, "I had a bucket list and completed it all". Walter was a member of Sayreville Knights of Columbus Council 2061, the 4th degree assembly in Pompano Beach, Florida, Sayreville V.F.W. Memorial Post 4699, Sayreville American Legion Post 211, Past President Sayreville Lions Club, Honorary Member of Sayreville First Aid Squad, past member of Sayreville Industrial Commission and a life member of the BPOE Elks. Walter was also a member of the Broward County Sheriff's office "COP" Citizens Observance Patrol program for many years were he went on "patrol" with his fellow officers.

As well as his wife and parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Cecelia Pasterick, and his brothers, Louis and Simon Zagata. Surviving are his children former Sayreville Mayor James L. Zagata and former wife Donna of Sayreville, Lorraine Rock of Redwood City, California and Karen Hardin of Pompano Beach, Florida, his grandchildren Judd, Zachary and Jamie Zagata and her fiancée, Joseph DiBenedetto. Walter is also survived by his brother, Frank Zagata and his wife Theresa of Sayreville, his sister-in-law Julie Zagata of Sayreville and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday 8:30 AM from the Maliszewski Memorial Home, 121 Main Street, Sayreville followed by a 9AM Mass at Saint Stanislaus Kostka R. C. Church in Sayreville with burial to follow at Saint Stanislaus Cemetery, Sayreville. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Sunday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. The following groups will hold services on Sunday at the funeral home: American Legion Post 211 7:15 PM, V.F.W. Post 4699 7:30 PM, Sayreville Knights of Columbus Council 2061 8:30 PM, and K of C 2061 4th Degree Assembly will stand honor guard from 7 PM until services at 8:45 PM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Walter J. Zagata Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o P.O. Box 129, Sayreville, N.J. 08872. Letters of condolences may be sent to the family at www.maliszewskimemorialhome.com

Published by Home News Tribune from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Zagata

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Dearest Karen & Family:
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad. He was such a lovely, fun loving person. May God coimfort you all in your loss.

Love,
Bonnie L. Crever

January 27, 2013

Jim, So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Didn't know he lived only 10 miles from me in Pompano Beach, I live in Boca Raton......
Just remember "DAD" will always be in your "Heart". Bill Fear

William Fear

January 26, 2013

Sorry For Your Loss.

Frank Terzino

January 26, 2013

To Karen, Lori and Jim - your Dad was a wonderful man! I'm so glad for the opportunity to have met him and to have been his neighbor. His smile and warmth will be remembered fondly. Sending my deepest condolences for your loss!

Susan Hall

January 26, 2013

My deepest sympathy in the loss of Walt. It was a pleasure to meet up with him in Sayreville. We always had some great talks; he was a great individual and would do anything to help. May he rest in peace in Post Everlasting. May the Good Lord give you strength and courage to carry on in the days ahead without Walter. God Bless You All.

Walter P. Kramarz

January 26, 2013

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in Walter Zagata's name

Memorial Events
for Walter Zagata

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Walter's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Walter Zagata's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more