Stanley George Zajac

“STAN”

3/7/21-10/9/12

Stanley George Zajac, 91, died October 9, 2012 peacefully in his sleep at home. Stan, as he liked to be called, had a great sense of humor. He often said with a smile on his face, even in his last days, “getting old is not for wimps”.

Stan was born to Michael and Antonina Zajac, immigrants from Poland, on March 7, 1921 in Ralphton, Pennsylvania. He was born into a large family with 11 brothers and sisters and grew up during the Depression, so he understood the importance of family. At the age of 15 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. When asked about those early years in such a large family he would sometimes speak of sending home most of his paycheck to his mom to help with family expenses. He would keep just enough for himself to buy a hamburger, get a haircut and a movie ticket. Little did he know, his mother saved that money and when he returned home, she returned it to him. He was a good son.

Stan joined the Army/Air Force and became one of the first members of the First Air Commandos where he served as a gunner and flight engineer in B-25s. He flew over 60 missions in the China Burma India theatre during World War II. He was most proud of his induction into First Air Commandos Hall of Fame. After the war, he continued to serve in the military at Castle Air Force Base until he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1964. He continued to stay active with the First Air Commandos, writing stories for their newsletters and attending their annual reunions, including hosting one of the reunions held at Lake Tahoe. He cherished his time with these friends and in his later years would tell his family stories of his time in India often to the cries of “Oh no, not again Grandpa!” He would smile and say “well, let me tell you again, I might’ve left something out!” We will miss those stories.

After Stan retired from the military, he worked for Our Lady of Mercy School and Church. He then went on to be a Letter Carrier for United States Postal Service in Atwater, where after 20 years he retired in 1986. Even after retirement, he continued to stay active. He loved to cut firewood. He made certain his customers knew his price always included free delivery and stacking. Many of his customers were friends in Merced and neighbors at his cabin, “the Lazy Zzzzz,” at Lake Tahoe. One of his favorite things to do was to load up a truck full of firewood, stop at McDonalds and head up to the Lazy Zzzzz to deliver his load of firewood. Stan was anything but lazy. He was at his happiest when he was working outdoors, whether it was digging in the garden or cutting firewood.

He left us with many “Stanisms” from saying “is this all we have” at dinner to “getting old is not for wimps”. He used to say that his favorite things were “rocks, flags, trees and girls, but not necessarily in that order.” Stan lived a good life, full of happiness and he was able to see his sons and grandchildren grow and become good citizens. He showed us dignity and humor in aging. He will be incredibly missed.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Martin, Joseph, John, William, Walter, Pauline, Bertha and Helen.

He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Vivian Zajac; two sons, Mark (Patty) Zajac of Merced and David Zajac of San Martin, CA; five grandchildren, Chris, Andrew, Eric, Matthew and Sarah; sister, Francis; and brother, Edward.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Services will be held at 10am on Monday, October 15, 2012 at Our Lady of Mercy Church on 21st Street in Merced.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.