MHS Band drum major, Eagle Scout, electrical engineer
Published July 9, 2021
MELROSE — On Sunday, July 4th, 2021 Arik Zwirner passed away after a yearlong battle against pancreatic cancer. During his treatment at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital, Arik continued to work at Bureau Veritas, Littleton as an electrical engineer. He never complained about his illness but faced every adversity with courage and a smile.
He graduated from Melrose High School in 1992. He enjoyed the exchange trip to Germany and playing with the MHS Band where he was a drum major his senior year. He also played with the band at Brown University from which he graduated in 1997 with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. He was an Eagle Scout with Pack 725 and continued his love of camping. He also liked making beer with his father, brother and sister-in-law.
Arik was an expert skier who particularly loved skiing at Sunday River in Maine. Off-season, he loved hiking in MA and NH. He was an excellent chess player and still enjoyed playing saxophone, most recently with the Summer Concert Band in Wakefield.
Arik will be terribly missed by his family and friends. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at Beth Israel Lahey Hospital for their excellent care.
Arik was the loving son of Kurt and Mary Ellen (Coughlin) Zwirner of Melrose. He was the caring brother of Torbert K. Zwirner and his wife Kat of Melrose. Cherished uncle of 2 nieces. Nephew of Edda Zwirner Azuar and her late husband Jose of Spain, John Coughlin and his wife Maryanne of FL, Patricia Falcone of Arlington and the late Daniel Coughlin. Also survived by many cousins, relatives & friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield on Friday, July 9th, 2021 at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Arik’s name to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or online at cancer.org. To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
