Walter J. Zarichak

Walter James Zarichak (6 July 1928 in Westfield, Massachusetts - 9 July 2014 in Holyoke, Massachusetts) was a Slovak American veteran of the United States Army who served in World War II.

Early life
Walter was born in the city of Westfield, Massachusetts on 6 July 1928. He was the son of Slovak immigrants Cyril and Julia Zarichak. He also lived with two brothers (Paul and Thomas) and two sisters (Helen and Mary).

Military service
He joined the United States Army and served in Japan during World War II. After being discharged, he re-enlisted 3 months later on 1 October 1946 into the Army. Eventually he was discharged and did not enlist again.

After the war
He married Shirley Coash and was employed at Strathmore Paper Company in Westfield eventually become the Assistant Superintendent of Mill No. 1 there. He also served on the Westfield Trade High School Advisory Committee in the 1960s. Afterwards, he became President of the National Material Trade Association, Vice Chairman of the Legislature Committee of Massachusetts, and Chairman of the Westfield Airport Committee.

Death
After his retirement, he was interned at the Holyoke Soldiers Home in Holyoke where he passed away on 9 July 2014. He was buried in St. Marys Cemetery in Westfield.