Zoltan G. Szarka, 86, of Sandy Hook died peacefully October 29, with his family at his side, after a brief but valiant fight with cancer. Born in Shelton, June 21, 1929, he was the son of the late Grace and Louis Szarka.

He leaves his beloved wife of 58 years, Harriet Keefe Szarka; his son, Louis Szarka, Esq, of Sandy Hook, and his daughter, Diane Phelan, and her husband Edward Phelan, of West Hartford. Mr Szarka will be sadly missed by his five grandchildren, Haley and Drew Szarka of Sandy Hook, Lindsey Phelan of Manchester, N.H., and Ryan and Kiley Phelan of West Hartford. His brother-in-law Edward Keefe, and wife Anna, of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews also survive him. His sister-in-law, Rosalie, and her husband Gerard Banahan, predeceased Mr Szarka.

Upon his graduation from Shelton High School in 1946, he entered the US Army. After ending his military service in 1948, he attended the Connecticut School of Electronics, and eventually started his own television business, before having a 30-year career with Avco Lycoming/Textron in Stratford.

Known as “Z” or “Zoli” to his many friends, he loved to give back to his community, and volunteered as a firefighter for the Echo Hose Company, the Great Danbury Fair, and as a coach for many years with Pop Warner Football and Little League Baseball. He moved to Sandy Hook, where he raised his family, in 1966. 

He was a huge sports fan. Although he loved the San Francisco Giants, the NY Giants and UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams, there was nothing more important to him than spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting and school events. He was always an avid golfer and upon retirement continued to play golf with his buddies from work up until this June. 

The Szarkas also enjoyed traveling for many years to Christian Crusades. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank the wonderful professionals at Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut in Danbury for their amazing care and support.

Calling hours will take place at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Monday, November 2, from 5 to 8 pm. A brief service will take place at end of calling hours.

To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com.