Dennis Zifcak

Lt. Col. Dennis J. Zifcak, 76, of Uxbridge and formerly of Douglas, died June 12 after an illness.

He is survived by his two children, Donna Hardy of Uxbridge and Brian and wife Nicole Zifcak of Auburn; his partner, Patricia Shalbey, with whom he lived; three grandchildren, Kevin Hardy, Anderson Zifcak and Jackson Zifcak; two brothers, John D. Zifcak of Douglas and Francis M. Zifcak of Arlington, Texas; a sister, Katherine Vassar of Uxbridge; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Mary E. Albin. Born in Northbridge on Dec. 18, 1945, he was the son of Francis A. and Mary (Gonsorcik) Zifcak and lived in Uxbridge since 1978.

Mr. Zifcak worked as the director of global benefits for EMC in Hopkinton. He was a 1964 graduate of Douglas Memorial High School and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. He was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, serving as a helicopter pilot, and received the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, a Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He later served in the National Guard. A member of Joseph Michna VFW in Douglas he took great pride in his military accomplishments and participated in annual Memorial Day Parades as a flag bearer. Always a family man, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sports events. An avid golfer, he annually played in the Veterans Inc. Golf Tournament. He spent winters in Florida and often spent time relaxing in Maine. He was a former national director and secretary of the Slovak Catholic Sokol in Douglas. He was also a big fan of white chocolate, carrot cake and his daughter’s strawberry rhubarb pie. Dennis will be remembered as a true gentleman who put everyone else first and was always willing to help others.

His funeral and celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m. in St. Denis Church, 23 Manchaug Street, Douglas. Burial will be later in Arlington National Cemetery. Calling hours at Tancrell-Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Road, Uxbridge, are Friday, June 17, from 4-7 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.

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