Zapatka, John Joseph
John Joseph Zapatka, Jr., 72, of Higganum, was born in Westerly RI to the late John J. Zapatka Sr. and Ruth (Butler) Zapatka. He grew up in Watch Hill RI, his favorite place in the world. He loved being by the ocean and sailing was his most beloved pastime. John (called Jack by his family and friends) graduated from Westerly High School in 1966 and then from the University of Rhode Island in 1971 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He then began a career at Electric Boat in Groton, where he worked for many years at the beginning and end of his professional career, retiring in 2019. He was brilliant at math and physics and was the real life version of MacGyver. He was truly one of the kindest, calmest and most
humble people you’d ever meet. He was always there for his friends, family and church, and he would frequently help strangers in need as well. He often volunteered at the soup kitchen, and he donated blood nearly every 8 weeks for much of his life. John loved telling jokes and he was always the first one to laugh at them. John was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Middletown, CT and was the head elder and a leader in the church for many years. He had a very strong relationship with God and his faith was an extremely important part of his life; one that guided the way he lived and helped others. John died on Saturday June 26, 2021 after a long, hard-fought battle with depression. He is survived by his wife Lori (Klare) Zapatka of Higganum; daughter Jennifer Zapatka of Higganum; son Sean Zapatka and his wife Christina of Charlotte, NC; sisters, Dorothy Carter of St. Louis, MO, Barbara Durand and her husband Michel of Easton, PA; brothers, Robert and his wife Donna of Atascocita, TX, David and his wife Lisa of North Kingstown, RI; grandson Xander John Zapatka, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann Bailey. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 11:00am at Grace Lutheran Church, 1055 Randolph Road, Middletown. Those who wish may send memorial donations in John Zapatka’s name to: Blue Sky Behavioral Health, 52 Federal Road, Suite 2A, Danbury CT 06810; Attn: Suzy O’Neil. Checks can be made payable to Blue Sky with mention of John’s name. This fund has been set up by John’s family to help others in need of specialized mental health services. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com