Viktor Zguro, 85, of Worcester, died Sunday, January 16th in the Christopher House. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Zinovia Zguro; his son, Ilir Zguro and his wife, Eglantina of Worcester; his daughter, Mirela Xuliara and her husband, Stavros of Pirea, Greece; his sister, Jane Zografi of Thessaloniki, Greece; six grandchildren, Viktor Zguro, Jr. Alexandros and Anesti "Nicholas" Zguro and Artemisa, Joana and Angelika Xuliara. He was predeceased by two brothers, Koci and Naun Zguro; two sisters, Lone Jano and Dito Zguro; and a brother in law, Koco Zografi.
He was born in Gostivisht, Kolonje, Albania, the son of Mina and Sotira Zguro and had served with the Marines in Albania. Mr. Zguro had worked as a teacher in Albania, enduring many hardships as his teaching assignments often required him to travel great distances to schools in impoverished locations. In 1995 he left Albania for Greece, where working conditions created better opportunities. In 2004 he left Greece, moving to Worcester to be with his family and help raise them, often cooking meals, a task he enjoyed doing as he was an accomplished cook. Viktor was a member of St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church. He enjoyed reading and could be often found reading in sunlit rooms. He was honored in Albania for his dedication to teaching, his educational skills and the difficulties he endured in traveling to remote locations to teach students from kindergarten to 12th grade. His teachings continued at home as he instilled old school values he had learned growing up, to the younger generation, keeping his culture, history and values alive for the next generation. He will be forever remembered as the most wonderful husband and greatest father and grandfather, and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
His funeral is Wednesday, January 19th, with his funeral service at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:30 until the time of the service at the Church on Wednesday. Flowers may be sent or donations made St. Mary's Assumption Albanian Church. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements.