George J. Zaharek

Torrington- George J. Zaharek, 90, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2020 peacefully at his home. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Saccomani) Zaharek.

          Mr. Zaharek was born in Torrington on January 28, 1930, son of the late John and Julia (Meyerjack) Zaharek, and had been a lifelong city resident. George was most proud of all of his family but especially the children he raised when Mary passed away at a young age.  He was a proud U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. George was a retired Foreman at the Torrington Company working in the Needle Division retiring early to raise his family, with many years of service. He was a dedicated lifelong communicant of the former Sacred Heart Church, Torrington, where he also served as church Sexton. George was devoted to his role as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, being selected as the first lay person along with his sister Betty to serve on the altar.  George was a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokols, enjoyed Thursday night bowling league with the office crew and fishing with his brothers in his younger years. George enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially planting a garden annually, and passed down this passion to his children.  He was an avid sports fan, enjoying the Boston Celtics, New York Giants, Hartford Whalers, and New York Yankees.  George enjoyed attending all sporting events of his children and would speak fondly of attending professional games with his brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews in his younger years. 

          Survivors include daughter, Anne Z. Murray and her husband Sean of Newtown, CT; a son, Michael J. Zaharek (Gail) of Harwinton, CT; and daughter,  Susan Z. Laub and her husband Daniel of Ridgefield, CT; two sisters, Mary Beyer and Elizabeth “Betty” Zaharek, both of Torrington; six grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Brendan Murray, Aidan Zaharek, Olivia Zaharek, Benjamin Laub, Jackson Laub, and Fiona Laub; and many nieces and nephews whom he fondly referred to as ‘the cousins by the dozens’. Mr. Zaharek was predeceased by three brothers, infant Michael, John (Frances Michna) Zaharek and Andrew (Dorothy Lucas) Zaharek; and three sisters, Julia (George) Misencik, Sophia (Frederick) Wilcox, and Anna (John) Taddei.

          Graveside services will be held Friday May 29, 2020 at 11:30 am at New St. Francis Cemetery, 863 S. Main St., Torrington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Church, Torrington, on a date and time to be announced. Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, Torrington, is in care of arrangements.

          At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VFW, P.O. Box 429, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 (vfwct.org).

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