Edward Zajac

"Palmer-Edward J. Zajac, 98, of Palmer passed away April 13, 2018 at Quaboag Rehab & Skilled Care Center in West Brookfield, MA. Son of the late Martin and Antonia (Marusinski) Zajac, he was a lifelong resident of Palmer and attended the local Palmer schools. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. For over 30 years he was a truck driver for Haskell Trucking Company of Palmer and also was a mechanic for Spector Freight and Consolidated Freight in Chicopee, MA before retiring. Edward is a retired Teamster's member of Local 404 Springfield and also a member of the American Legion Post 130 in Palmer. He loved flying and obtained a private pilots license back in the earlier years of 1947 at Metropolitan Airport in Palmer. He always enjoyed working on his car whether it was mechanical issues or just putting a good coat of wax on it. He loved puttering around his home, especially caring for his lawn during the summer months and making sure the area birds were fed well during the winter. He also liked Country music and being the kitchen chef on Sundays at home. Ed and Mary enjoyed traveling to Arizona and California to visit their daughter and late son-in-law over the years plus many side trips on the West Coast and Southwest areas of the country.Being a wonderful husband and father, he will be deeply missed by his daughter, Patricia Purda of Glendale, AZ; a sister, Helen Wytas of Stafford Springs, CT along with a number of nieces and nephews. Edward is predeceased by his wife of 74 years Mary (Sarna) Zajac (2015) and siblings Josephine Les, Stanley, Frank, John and Henry Zajac and his son-in-law Anthony Purda (2006).The Zajac family wishes to thank the Unit 2 Nursing Station and entire staff at Quaboag Rehab & Skilled Care Center for the wonderful care and love they gave Ed while he was a resident there.Visitation will be Friday April 20th from 9:30-10:30 am at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.In lieu of flowers please make donations to Quaboag Rehab & Skilled Nursing Center Attn: Activity Fund 47 East Main St., West Brookfield, MA 01585."