Richard Zasada

Richard Conrad Zasada, passed away April 30, 2013 at the age of 87. He was born May 6, 1926 in Schenectady, NY. His family moved to the Washington, DC area when he was 13. He served in the US Army during World War II and was proud to be one of the first occupational forces to land in Japan after the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. While in Japan, he instructed other troop members about the history of the battles in Japan and the effects of the war. He achieved the rank of Corporal. After he was honorably discharged from service, he attended George Washington University and received a bachelor's degree in Foreign Affairs. He also received a law degree from LaSalle University. Several years later, he graduated with an MLA from Johns Hopkins University. He worked for the Department of Defense for over 50 years. During the last few years of his career and after retirement, he tutored children with learning disabilities in reading and mathematics in private practice. He was also an instructor in the reading and english departments at Anne Arundel Community College. Richard enjoyed watching football, reading, traveling across the country and taking vacations to the beach with his family. He loved playing with flight simulators on the computer and kept up with the stock market and news online. A life-long avid reader, he subscribed to several newspapers and magazines and kept current with politics and world events. But, he most especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary E. Zasada, his loving daughters Gale Zasada of Denver, CO and Emily Zasada of Fairfax, VA, his dear grandchildren Jason Crigger, Wendy Thomas and Zigmund Forrest, his dear great-grandson Orion Thomas and his affectionate sister, Eleanore Glod.

In lieu of flowers, any donations should be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

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