WEBSTER - Edward Z. Zdrok, 85, of Webster, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 24, 2010 at Mass. General Hospital, Boston.
He leaves his wife of 53 years, Barbara M. (Woznicki) Zdrok; a daughter, Lauri A. Joseph and her husband Paul M. of Dudley; a son, Edward P. Zdrok of Watchung, NJ; a brother, Joseph Zdrok of Vero Beach, FL; 3 sisters, Jennie Rzeszutko and Theresa J. Miller, both of Webster, and Sister Mary Amandine, with the Felician Sisters in Adams; a granddaughter, Kathryn E. “Katie” Joseph of Dudley; several nephews and nieces.
He was born in Worcester, son of Zigmont W. and Frances (Piasta) Zdrok, and was a lifelong resident of Webster. He attended Worcester Junior College, Becker Junior College and Clark University, where he earned a Master’s Degree.
He was an Army veteran of World War II.
Mr. Zdrok was a research scientist and engineer at the American Optical Company in Southbridge for over 30 years before he retired. He was named on several patents. He belonged to the American Optical Quarter Century Club.
He was a communicant of Saint Joseph Basilica. He was a life member and past president of the Polish American Citizens Club, and served on its building committee. He also belonged to the Webster-Dudley American Legion Post #184 and the Polish American Veterans.
His hobbies were hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening and tending to his yard. His greatest joy was his granddaughter Katie.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, June 29, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will provide the military honors at the cemetery. Calling hours will be from 4:30 to 7:30 PM Monday, June 28, in the funeral home. Donations in his name may be made to the Mass.Commission for the Blind, 48 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116-4718.