Michael Paul Zarich was born in Akron, OH on July 12th 1944. He passed away April 20th, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was our hero.

Mike grew up in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Yale University in 1966, with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He worked in many areas of engineering, including: the Apollo Space Program at Cape Canaveral, digital disc drives, environmental protection, and medical/surgical instrument design. Mike holds multiple U.S. patents. He was a professor of Electrical Engineering at Colorado Technical Institute in Colorado Springs, graded standardized tests for the state, and drove a bus for Special Transit.

Mike’s hobbies and volunteer work included being a bit player and technical expert for many Front Range theaters. He was Longmont Theater Company’s first technical director. He and his wife Debbie designed and built more than 100 sets for LTC – winning many local, regional, and national awards. In addition to training students in technical theater arts, Mike also coached little league and mentored frequently during his tenure as a youth role model.

On March 23rd, 2015 Mike sustained a spinal cord injury as a result of an accidental fall. After a stay at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital, Mike returned home to the full-time care of his wife Debbie as an incomplete quadriplegic. The family is grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and loved ones in the last three years.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 40-years, Deb Zarich; son, Michael J. (Susan) Zarich of Huston, TX; 3 daughters, Mina, Willow, and Kalyca Zarich of Longmont. Mike was pre-deceased by sons, Jonas and Abe. Mike leaves behind 7 wonderful grandchildren.

Mike was an incredible asset to his community, tremendous husband, magnificent father, and outstanding grandpa. He is dearly missed.

Services will be held Saturday April 28, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Ahlberg Funeral Chapel 326 Terry St. Longmont, CO. Per his request, Mike’s final “cast party” will be immediately following at the Zarich home, 1614 Judson Dr. Longmont, CO. Special thanks to Oskar Blues Fooderies for graciously catering Mike’s shin-dig. Contributions may be made to Boulder Hospice. Please contact the family at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com or directly at mpzarich@q.com.

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