Ronald D. Zapatka

Ronald D. Zapatka, 72, a longtime resident of Boylston, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at UMass Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Ron is survived by his wife of 48 years, Margaret M. (Brady) Zapatka; his two daughters, Andrea M. Zapatka and her husband Mark Tremblay and Rhonda Zapatka; five grandchildren, Ryan, Tula, Colin, Luke and Alexandra Tremblay all of New York City; a brother, Stanley J. Zapatka and his wife Eileen of Virginia Beach, VA; and many nieces and nephews, including Stephen, Daniel, Matthew, William and Katherine Zapatka. Ron was born in Worcester, a son of the late Stanley J. and Antoinette D. (Machowski) Zapatka and graduated from North High School. Ron later graduated from Becker College with an associate’s degree. He furthered his degree by graduating from Clark University with his BA in Business Administration. He lived in Worcester until moving to Boylston. Ron owned and operated, alongside his wife, Zapatka Insurance Services. He previously was a technical writer for David Clark Company and a sales engineer for American Optical. Ron was very involved in Boylston town politics where he was on the town finance committee and the historical society. Ron was an original member of the Boylston Town Militia. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed photography, and loved history, politics, current events, and he was a huge New England sports fan. He also was a member of the Worcester Life Underwriters. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. George Eypper, the staff at UMass ICU, and the staff at Holden Rehabilitation for their care and compassion. Services for Ron will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross St, Boylston. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Boylston. A period of calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163, The Boylston Fire and EMS Department, PO Box 634, 599 Main St., Boylston, MA 01505 or Trickle Up, 104 West 27th St., 12th floor, New York, NY 10001, a nonprofit that helps the extreme poor. To share your thoughts, memories or prayers with Ron’s family, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.