NORWICH – J.R. “Zak” Szakats, former resident of Norwich from 1958-1982 died in West Palm Beach Florida on May 20, 2008.
Mr. Szakats served two terms as Ward 1 alderman and managed the First Albany brokerage office. He was President and Secretary of the Norwich Kiwanis Club, a member of the Lost Pond Club and St. Paul Roman Catholic church.
Born Jan. 28, 1933 in Lorain Ohio, he graduated in 1954 from Xavier University in Cincinnati where he played ice hockey and during the Korean War was assistant to the Regimental Commander of the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment stationed at Fort Knox Kentucky from 1954-1956.
He was married to Patricia Farrell from 1956 -1982. He is survived by his children; Nancy of Albany, Lee of New Orleans La., Elaine of Cohoes, Paul of Niskayuna, Chris of Osteen, Fla. and Tim of Singer Island, Fla. and two grand children, Evan and Christian of Niskayuna.
While in Florida he worked as a chef in south Florida resorts and assisted living facilities, retiring in 1998. He was a supporter of Living Donor and during his residence in Florida he made over 100 donations of blood to the South Florida Blood Bank.
Services and cremation were conducted privately in West Palm Beach.