William Zaruka, longtime Babylonian, veteran and volunteer
By Janine Logan
Learning how deeply and broadly her husband, William J. Zaruka, inspired others has brought much comfort to his widow Alice, in the days following his death on June 27, 2008. William Zaruka, 87, of Babylon Village, lived a quiet life in the village that was anything but ordinary on so many levels. Born to Ukrainian immigrants Anna and Tom Zawyrucha on June 2, 1921, Zaruka lived his entire life within two miles of the Ross Road home he shared with his wife. The youngest of Anna and Tom's six children, Zaruka's four brothers and one sister predeceased him. While awaiting the birth of his first child, Irene, William Zaruka and his wife decided to legally change their last name to the phonetic spelling - Zaruka - so that their children and the children Zaruka would soon teach in the Hempstead School District would have less difficulty. It was the first selfless gesture of many more to follow that illustrated this man's humility and sensitivity toward others. A World War II veteran and dedicated patriot, Zaruka deeply loved his country and honored the principles of democracy and liberty all his life. As a distinguished member of American Legion Post 94 in Babylon, Zaruka dutifully marched in every Memorial Day Parade, refusing ever to ride in a car, believing that doing so would compromise his values of respect and loyalty.
His war record is equally honorable. A member of the 8th Army Air Force, Zaruka was a gunner and radio operator who flew 32 missions over Germany in a B-17. He was recognized for his bravery and given the "Lucky Bastard" award by his commanding officer. In fact, recounts his widow, she and her husband felt lucky in so many ways, not the least of which was sharing a life together for 63 years that has always been marked by an enduring and respectful love for one another. Tucked behind a photo album that was on display at William Zaruka's wake were love letters written by William to Alice, while he served in the war. Though the letters became fragile and withered with age, William and Alice's love became anything but that, as it blossomed throughout the decades. Zaruka graduated from Ithaca College in 1947 and went on to teach students in the Hempstead School District for 34 years. He later earned a master's degree from Hofstra University. A sports and fitness enthusiast all his life, Zaruka taught physical education, as well as science and math. In addition, he coached students in basketball, including the National Basketball Association Hall of Famer, Julius Irving. Irving maintained contact with Zaruka all his life and credits this man for "putting basketball in my life."
As a coach, mentor, and teacher, one of Zaruka's better known axioms "a winner never quits, and a quitter never wins," inspired hundreds of minority students in the Hempstead District - many writing to him in their later years that he had changed their lives. He had a pure desire to instill the children with confidence and provide them with opportunities, recalls Alice. For many, Zaruka's field trips were the first time students left Hempstead. One trip was particularly symbolic, as Zaruka took his junior high basketball team to West Islip to challenge his brother Steve's ninth grade basketball team. "They beat the pants off the ninth graders," said Alice. "I don't think he was aware of the influence he had on people's lives," said Alice. In his hometown, Zaruka was equally an influencing presence, whom friends say always found humor in situations. That may be why he delighted in his "Sewer Club" membership, an informal group of village elders who met weekly for breakfast and to argue about politics and current events. He was also a member of the local Lions Club, Booster Club, Christ Episcopal Church, and the Long Island Yacht Club for which he received the James Bowles Award for contribution of talent. Zaruka organized the club's children's activities for seven years. After he retired from his teaching and coaching positions and from a total of 30 summers of running the Cedar Beach, Overlook Beach food concessions, and Cedar Beach Golf Course, Zaruka was free to spend more time with his wife and two children- daughter Irene and her husband Ivan, son William John Zaruka II and his wife Linda, and his grandchildren, John, Jeanette, Billy, and Stacy. This included a trip to the Super Bowl with his son and his son's college friends. He maintained this yearly pilgrimage until just a few years ago.
Zaruka's athletic achievements and personality are immortalized on the "Wall of Fame" in Babylon High School, where a photo of the young, lithe athlete is a highlight of the Babylon High School Class of 1939. He held the title of Suffolk County Champion for broad jump, now called the long jump. It was in those halls when Zaruka first met Alice. "He had a wonderful life," said Alice. Shortly before he died, Alice says she whispered in his ear - "you're always in my heart." William Zaruka reposed at the Frederick J. Chapey and Sons Funeral Home and was interred at North Babylon Cemetery. His widow, the former president of the Babylon Village Historical and Preservation Society and current village historian, has established a history scholarship in her husband's name. Will, as Alice affectionately called him, could often be found at the Village Museum helping Alice prepare for special events and recounting war stories to anyone who would listen. Donations in his memory can be sent to the Historical Society, P.O. Box 484, Babylon, NY 11702.
| Posted By John Zaruka (7/21/2008 11:24 PM EDT): | |
Thanks for writing this.
He was a truly remarkable man (and father!)
PS.. I'm John not William
Bit confusing.
John Z |
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