Richard Joseph Zajac

1926 - 2016

Richard Joseph Zajac 1926 - 2016
Longtime Herkimer Resident
HERKIMER - Richard Joseph Zajac, 90, a longtime resident of Herkimer, entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 12, 2016, in the comfort of his home.
He was born on July 28, 1926, in Utica, the son of the late Frank and Caroline Zajac. He left Utica Free Academy during World War II to work for the United States Government at the former Rome Air Field, manufacturing aircraft parts. He then worked for Wesdon Engineering in Utica at the Oneida Community Plant in Sherrill.
He pursued his education, obtaining his high school diploma, and attended Mohawk Community College and Utica College of Syracuse University. He was associated with his dad and brother at the Zajac's "LaSanitary Bakery". He retired from Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company in 1986 after 36 years as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer.
Richard was a former member of the Industrial Management Club of Utica, the Quarter Century and Management Clubs of Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co., the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, a life member of the Herkimer Elks Lodge #1439, the Mohawk Snowmobile Club, the Ilion Fish and Game Club, the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club, and the East Herkimer and Greenfield Fish and Game Club.
On October 22, 1949, he was united in marriage to Olga Sokerka at Holy Trinity Church in Utica, NY. Their union was blessed with one son and 64 memorable years until her passing on April 24, 2014.
Richard and his family enjoyed camping and traveling in their trailer throughout the eastern US and Canada, boating on the St. Lawrence River, Oneida and Otsego Lakes on their boat "The Manhattan". Richard was an avid lake trout fisherman, deer hunter, golfer and photographer. He was dedicated to his home and flower gardens. He cherished the many awards from the Herkimer Garden Club for the flowers and Christmas decorations at their home.
His only son, Gerald D. Zajac, passed away on March 16, 2007. Richard is survived by his half-sister, Irene Mostek, of Chicago, IL, and many nieces, nephews and cousins, including Joan Zajac of Nevada, Joseph and Rebecca Sokol of St. Johnsville, Sandra Rasmussen and husband, John, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Mary-Ann and Edward Manrosch of Dolgeville, John and Liz Sokerka of Florida, Frank and Wanda Arcuri of Fayetteville, Joseph and Regina Arcuri of Liverpool, Richard and Renee Arcuri of Holland Patent, and Charles and Rose Leniek of Endwell, NY. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Virginia Zajac Arcuri; half-brothers, John Zajac and Edwin Leniek; and a half-sister, Josephine Rygielski.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 18, 2016, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Enea Family Funeral Home (F.K.A. Holleran Funeral Service), 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY, (315) 866-1011. Richard's funeral service will begin from the funeral home at 10:30 AM and at 11:00 AM from St. Francis de Sales Church, North Bellinger Street, Herkimer, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by The Reverend Mark Cunningham, Pastor. Entombment will be in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Utica, NY.
In memory of Richard, please consider all memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or to the St. Francis de Sales Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Richard's funeral arrangements were preplanned with Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors. To add to his online condolences, please visit www.eneafamily.com.