DR. Michael J. Zak

To Dr. Zak's family, friends, and staff and colleagues. I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Zak's passing. I became a patient years ago to get my wisdom teeth extracted and I said I would never get it done. But it was an emergency and Dr. Zak took me within an hour. He was professional and kind. He had a sense of calm about him that gave me the faith and trust that I was in good hands after a lifetime of fear. If I met someone that needed a excellent oral surgeon, I would recommend Dr. Zak. Today I went to recommend Dr. Zak and was very sad to hear of his passing in the paper. I met him two times to get my teeth extracted and was a very happy patient. Dr. Zak's presents was a very bright light. He will always shine bright in those he met on earth. His spirit will live on in everyone he touched in his life.

Mike you will be missed I had many fun outings with you !

Our deepest sympathy to Mike's family and professional partners for this sudden and unexpected loss. He was a respected colleague with whom we shared many patients over the years. He will be greatly missed by all.
Daniel E. Hogan,DMD and Family & Staff

I want to reflect my thoughts on the loss that many of us who knew Mike may have felt with his untimely passing. I'm sure he would have appreciated the many kind words expressed on his behalf.

I vividly remember the day Mike came to my office in 1993 to introduce himself. As a new physician in the area he had been made aware of my interest in treating patients with head and neck cancer and, because of his dedication to patients afflicted with this disease, sought my assistance in that endeavor. What ensued was a remarkable twenty-four year collaboration that saved countless lives and resulted in a number of scientific abstracts and instructional courses presented at national medical meetings, as well as numerous research publications in medical journals.

Mike was so caring and responsible that I could call him anytime...and frequently did. No matter the time of day or night, whether on a weekend or a holiday, he always responded enthusiastically. In fact, Mike holds the unique distinction in being the only practitioner whose office telephone numbers, of which there were many, as well as his home telephone number, I had committed to memory!!!

Mike and Lisa welcomed me, my wife Wendy, and our young children into their own lives, for which we all have many fond memories. In fact, it became a right of passage for Mike to extract our children's molars, which he did expertly and with compassion.

We enjoyed more recent times with he and Margaret. When Mike learned last spring of my plans to return to my home state of New York he insisted that he and Margaret take Wendy and me out for a farewell dinner, along with Anthony and Shana Spina, for old time's sake. That evening together last May provides us with bittersweet memories.

My deepest condolences go out to the unexpected passing of Dr.Michael Zak's Family, his former wife, his companion, and his Partners and Staff of a Well Known and Respected Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice and especially to his daughters. He was a wonderful person and outstanding surgeon. He always had a smile on his face. It was always a pleasure to talk with Dr.Michael Zak and he will be missed but always be remembered in the Dental Community. My staff and I will keep all of his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
May God Bless his family with the Courage, Strength , and Faith that surpasses all understanding .during this tragic loss of a Great Man , fellow Colleague, and Father.

Dr.Nancy Videckis and Staff

So sorry to hear of his passing. My husband went to school with him, and our daughter saw him as a patient. He was a wonderful person and he will be truly missed.

Deepest sympathy to Mike's family. He will certainly be missed in our neighborhood and beyond.

Eternal rest grant unto Mike, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Rest In Peace I and my staff will miss your skills and advice. This community is immeasurably diminished by your passing.

Dr. Lionel A Waisman

Our deepest sympathy to all of Mike's family. We will remember him for his quick wit and bright smile while playing on the ski slopes.
He will be missed.

Rest in Peace, Mike. It was a pleasure and honor working with you as an examiner for ABOMS. Your intellect, professionalism, and kindness shone through. Your sense of humor and presence will be dearly missed. We are all better for having known you.

Mark Zajkowski

Mike was a good man. We only had a few interactions, but each time he distinguished himself as man of depth, character and caring. He was a giver and someone who looked out for the interests of those around him. I'm proud to have known him. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Sending my warmest thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.

So sorry to hear of Dr. Zak's passing. As a patient of his, he was an excellent doctor and a comforting soul. My prayers are with him and his family.God rest his soul.

Sierra, Marissa & the entire Zak family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing and would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to you all. This is a great loss not only for you but to the world, as Mike was truly a great man filled with kindness, love, compassion, a great sense of humor, and an incredible sense of adventure. He made life just so much 'more' (<--for lack of a better word) just by being in his company. Sierra and Marissa, it goes without saying, you were his EVERYTHING. He was so proud of you and I have no doubt you will continue to make him proud as he & your sister Allison watch over you from above, holding hands and smiling down on you both. I know there are no magic words to rid you of your grief right now but here is to hoping that all of the great stories of your dad that will warm your heart or make you laugh over the coming days/weeks/months, and there will be plenty of them, will help comfort you during this difficult time. And also know that someone as extraordinary as Michael Zak (R.I.P) will NEVER be forgotten. Extending my prayers and deepest condolences to you all

Deepest sympathies to Michael's family. He was a wonderful oral surgery colleague.

Though he is not physically with you, his light will forever shine on.

My heart aches for all of you. Many prayers going up so God, Mike and Allison can shower you with blessings of peace, love and comfort. We love you.

Shared some wonderful times and cases together. You will be missed.

My sincere condolences to Mike's family and to all his associates. It is most often too late when we try to say Thank You. Thanks, Mike, for all the help you gave me in taking care of hundreds of mutual patients and the true care they perceived from how you performed your calling.

Ted Zamirowski, MD
Park Ridge IL

Rest in Peace dr.Zak. We will miss you as a person and great clinician. You never said no to those in need. You were always there when needed. We lost a great man. Skilled doctor. Beautiful person. You will be dearly missed. I will remember you especially next Mission of Mercy.