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Mark Zoback Obituary
He leaves behind his devoted wife and best friend of 28 years, Ronni; two cherished children, Scott and Emily, both of Tolland and Worcester, Mass.; sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Michael Bank of Brooklyn, N.Y.; brother and sister-in-law, Bob Raphael and Vicki Moss of Foster, R.I.; sister Lynn Rocoff of Wantagh, N.Y.; brother and sister-in-law, David and Judy Raphael of Boca Raton, Fla.; and brother-in-law, Allen Spiegel of Pacific Grove, Calif. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Melissa, Eric, Ari, Daniel, Adam, Robyn, Joanna, Marissa and Haley. He was also proud to count many special friends as part of his extended family.
Mark was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 12, 1953, the son of Irving and Elizabeth Zoback. A graduate of Brooklyn College(City University of New York), Mark moved to eastern Connecticut to continue his education at UConn, and enjoy the serenity of his daily surroundings. He never once lost sight of the beauty he perceived each day; he also never once gave up on his hometown Yankees or his adopted hometown Huskies. An educator until the very end, he devoted his professional life to the staff and students he adored, most recently as the director of Special Education for Columbia Public Schools. He also treasured the many years he spent as a multi-sport coach for the town of Tolland, even through the trying times of his illness. It wasn't necessarily what he taught; it was the act of teaching he enjoyed, in all its forms. Mark was a past president of Congregation B'nai Israel in Rockville. His faith and spirituality, as well as his unique brand of humor helped to guide him through his days. As Mark frequently reminded us, in a storm, it is better to be the willow than the oak. A little give can go a long way.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Advanced Heart Disease/Heart Failure Section at Brigham and Women's Hospital. c/o Brigham and Women's Hospital Development Office. 116 Huntington Ave., 5th floor Boston, MA 02116; Congregation B'nai Israel, 54 Talcott Avenue, Rockville, CT 06066, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Services will be held Friday, October 12 at 12:30 p.m. at Congregation B'nai Israel in Rockville. Burial will follow at B'nai Israel Cemetery in Mansfield. Shiva will be observed at the family home at 90 Elna Drive in Tolland beginning Saturday evening.
Arrangements entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford.
For further information, directions, or to share memories of Mark with his family, please visit online at:
www.weinsteinmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Zoback
JACK SLUTSKY
August 7, 2008
Dear Zoback Family,
I just googled Mark and was very saddened to hear about his passing.
I was a long-time friend of his. We grew up together in Brooklyn. We attended school together for as long as I can remember. I was so proud of him when he was elected a class officer at Tilden. We grew up three blocks from each other.
Mark always stood out from the rest of our friends. He was a true mench.
Again my heartfelt sympathies.
Jack Slutsky
Leila Schneitzer Wilner
February 27, 2008
To the Zoback family: I just heard about Mark's passing from a friend from the Tilden H.S. days, and was so saddened. I remember Mark playing Dracula, as I was one of three "Dracula's brides." It was so much fun, and I have only good memories of Mark as kind, smart and overall just a great guy. Wishing you peace and comfort. I will pass the word to anyone I may know from those days as well.
Neil Sol
February 8, 2008
Ronnie, Scott and Emily
Your dad was so, so important to me in growing up in Brooklyn and in my life. Your grandmother and your grandfather were like my parents. Zo and i were brothers...we were kindred spirits....All through school, all through the neighborhood, all through Brooklyn College, the fencing team, Hale house......So so much.....I am so sorry...I did not know....We hadnt talked in a few years but when we did it was like we were never apart....The memories are jsut flashing through my head now of wehne we were younger....Iloved your dad....and i love your mom....That wont ever change....Zoback will be with me forever and certaily until i see him again someday......Ronnie, my bud, please call me.....is there anything i can do......neil
Meagan Yudell
October 25, 2007
Dear Cousin Ronnie, Emily, & Scott,
My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time in our lives. I miss all of you a lot especially my cousin Mark. Remember that all of your cousins back in California are thinking of all of you. Please call us and let us know if you need ANYTHING.
Love you always & forever,
Cousin Meagan
Renee and Dan Murphy
October 17, 2007
Dear Ronni, Scott and Emily
We are so heartbroken for your loss. You all have endured such a long courageous struggle. The strength you have is an inspiration to all who know you. Mark's passing is such a loss to everyone who was fortunate enough to be a part of your lives. Mark was such a remarkable human being as was purely evident in his daily life as a devoted husband, loving, caring father, friend and colleague. His compassion and commitment to students through the years was unbelievable. We hope you find some comfort in knowing that Mark is at peace. Please know that you will always be in our hearts and prayers.
Donia Hopkins
October 16, 2007
Emily & Family,
I want to express my deepest sympathy for you and your family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget seeing Mr. Zoback at all of our different games, performances, and events while we were growing up. I'll never forget how proud he always was of you and the way in which he was so encouraging of all of us. He was a man full of love who always had a smile on his face. I regret not being able to make it home for the services, but I wish you strength in finding a way through your grief.
Amber Sanetrik
October 15, 2007
Dear Ronni,
I was deeply saddened by the news of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. We were truly blessed to have known and had Mark in our lives. He will always be remembered as a kind gentle soul. Mark was always so kind and compassionate with Austin. I will always remember watching Mark interact with Austin in his office. Mark will be missed dearly!
Lynda Joly
October 15, 2007
Dear Ronni,
My deepest sympathy upon Mark's passing. He was a wonderful, kind, funny man. I always enjoyed speaking with Mark and treasure three days he and I spent at a conference sponsored by the Graustein Foundation. I had just started working in Pomfret and hadn't seen Mark since the old NARES days. We spent those three days catching up and Mark sharing valuable advice and information as I embarked upon my career as a special education administrator. He was truly a wonderful man.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lynda
Kathy Smolenski
October 14, 2007
Ronnie,
I am so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
DeeDee Cilley
October 13, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. You may not remember who I am, but I had worked for Mark at the EASTCONN Early Childhood Center in Columbia as a special education teacher back in the 80's. I remember Mark as a wonderful advocate for all children and I know that he will be missed by many. My prayers are with your family. Dee
John & Lorie Lojzim
October 13, 2007
Dear Ronni, Scott & Emily,
We were so saddened to learn that Mark had passed away. He was such a kind, compassionate man. He touched the lives of so many people, he'll be greatly missed. We especially remember him from all the meetings and events you both attended to build a new school in Tolland and your dedication to education. Mark left a page in our heartbook of memories. We share in your grief as our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love,
John & Lorie
Marsha Goldberg
October 12, 2007
Ronni, Scott and Emily,
There are no words that can be said to ease the pain and sorrow you are all feeling. Just remember that Mark/Dad was loved, respected, and admired by a lot of people. They say "Only the good die young." Mark certainly was good. Find comfort in knowing that so many people care. Love, Marsha
October 12, 2007
Emily & Family,
We are sorry to hear about Mark.
He was one of the good guys and I'm proud that I could call him my friend.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Aldo Mazzadra & Family
Tolland, CT
Tim Sweeney
October 12, 2007
To the Zoback Family:
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your husband and father.
Tim Sweeney
State School Teacher
Conn. Valley Hospital
Sandy Schneider
October 12, 2007
Ronnie, I'm sitting here in shock. For some reason, I brought up the JI on my computer here this a.m. and saw your dear husband's name in the obituaries!!! I had no idea that Mark was ill or even had any health issues. We moved from CT to IL over nine years ago and lost track of a lot of what's going on.
There are some people that you can't forget and you and Mark are in that category. You two cared so much about those with special needs. I was/am so grateful to both of you for your concern, encouragement, being a sounding board, and guiding us as we walked that path of parents with a "special ed" student.
Just wondering if you remember Todd? He's our reason for leaving CT. He resides in a group home out here that is operated by our church. He's been here for over 10 years now and is doing well. Our daughter, Melanie, moved to this area before any of us and is very happily married. They have blessed us with 2 beautiful grandgirls (ages 5 and 3). What shining stars in our lives!!
Enough about us . . .
My heart is breaking for you during this time. I just looked at the clock and realized that right now you are sitting there at the service for your 'other half' ~ I can't imagine the feelings that you must be dealing with. My deepest sympathy to you and your children.
Please feel free to contact me sometime ~ I'd love to talk again.
With love, prayers, and sympathy,
Sandy & Don
Ashley Yurgel
October 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with during this time. Mr. Zoback was a wonderful man and impacted many lives.
Kiki Ryan
October 12, 2007
Ronni,
I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Mark. I enjoyed working with the both of you during my time at CDT. Mark was always there to provide support to the students. I'll remember his kind words and zest for life.
Judy Grabowicz
October 12, 2007
Ronni, Mark and Emily --
We were so very saddened to hear of the loss of your husband and father. May your memories of love and laughter, and all that you shared together comfort you. We hope the blessing of sharing the life of such a wonderful man will provide you with strength.
Judy, Bill, Jessica and Ben Grabowicz
Colleen Major
October 12, 2007
We were so sorry to hear the news about Mark and our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. All our love to Ronni, Scott and Emily.
The Potters
October 11, 2007
Mr Zoback, Thank You for your spirit of hope and acceptance. You shared your wisdom and calmed our fears. We will miss you in the years to come at Porter. Our prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow.
Mary Kay Knox
October 11, 2007
Ronni, Scott and Emily-
When I think of Mark, I cannot help but remember a smile most kind and a sense of humor that was true New York. You were one of the first families to welcome me to Tolland, and I will never forget your kindness and your kindred spirit.
Mark was a wonderful man - his light will shine in all of you and you are better for having been such a cherished part of his life.
My prayers are with you all. May your strength and love as a family sustain you through this time and in the future.
With love,
Mary Kay Knox
Julie Keegan
October 11, 2007
Dear Ronni and Family ~
I am saddened to know of Mark's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Julie Keegan
Patricia Tantillo-Fox
October 11, 2007
Dear, Mrs.Zoback, Scott & Emily,
I was very sorry to hear the news about Mr.Zoback, I met him 25 years ago, at PaPaT's when Scott was just a baby. I will always remember his big smile and kind ways. He will be sadly missed, from all that were lucky enough to know him.
Please accept my deepest sympathy at this difficult time
Amanda DeMaio
October 11, 2007
Scott & Emily,
My heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time. If you two are any reflection of your father I am certain he was of incredible character and will be greatly missed. I hope you find comfort and hope in the memories that you shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ann Tetreault
October 11, 2007
My sincerest sympathy for your loss, MarK was a compassionate, caring man. His passion for his family and his work live on in all of you. Ann
Jenna Zerio
October 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Patrick Ford
October 11, 2007
Scott, Ronnie and Emily,
I was crushed when I heard the news. Mark was a wonderful guy who touched everyone he met. In particular, the bottomless kindness that he showed towards Kelly touched me and my family deeply.
Despite the current sorrow, when I think about Mark it brings a smile to my face, since there seemed always to be one on his. I'll never forget the hours shooting hoops in your driveway with Scott and Mark, or talking Yankees in the basement.
Please know that I grieve with you and cannot even begin to express my sorrow at your loss.
Scott buddy - you're one of my oldest friends and my heart goes out to you. Your dad was the man.
Barry Bernstein
October 11, 2007
My Dear Ronni, Scott and Emily
Although years have drifted our lives apart, my love and freindship of Mark and the Zoback family will always live inside my heart. Mark was the finest of men, compassioante, loving, giving, caring and I loved him dearly. His smile, laugh and way of looking at all things in life is an inspiration to all..With the deepest love and sympathies to you and your family from me and mine...Barry Bernstein
Rachel Leclerc
October 11, 2007
Dear Ronni,
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. Mark was a true fighter. I will remember him as a gentle, kind soul who listened well.
Rachel - Mansfield Public Schools
Sandy Tedford
October 11, 2007
Ronnie and Family: Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mark was a great man and will be sadly missed. His spirit will always be in the hearts of those who knew him.
Wayne Rosenfield
October 11, 2007
I am so sorry to lose my dear classmate, colleague, and friend.
Jennifer Chudy
October 11, 2007
Dear Mrs. Zoback, Scott, and Emily,
My mother called me today with the news of your father and I wanted to let you know how sincerely sorry I am for your loss. I have many fond memories of your father from shuttling us around Tolland/Vernon to always saying goodbye and checking in with me anytime I visited the Zoback house.
I wish I could attend your father's services, but am unable to do so because I currently live in Korea. Please know that you have my deepest sympathy and that I am thinking about all of you. Again, I am very sorry--I care very deeply for the entire Zoback family.
Love,
Jenn Chudy
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