Published in the February 8, 2021 edition.
WAKEFIELD — On February 4, 2021, Zachary Boyages, loving father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin passed away at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on January 18, 1931 in Chelsea to Greek immigrants, Marianthe and Eleftherios Boiadgis.
As an Everett High School graduate, Zack received his Bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in 1952, where he played baseball and was captain of the basketball team. After graduation, he completed the USMC Officer Candidate School program in Quantico, VA and was assigned to the Aviation Intelligence School at Alameida Naval Air Base in Oakland, California. Before being sent to Korea with the First Marine Air Wing, he played on the base basketball and baseball teams in the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Santa Ana, California.
He returned from Korea, achieving the rank of Captain, in 1954 and accepted a position with the General Electric Company in their 3 year business training course. After completing the program he married his “wonderful hometown girl, Marjorie Buitenhuys.” They were blessed with three children and were married for 20 great years before Marge prematurely died after a two-year battle with breast cancer.
He was heavily involved with his children, and grandchildren, in their formative years and coached basketball, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball, in Wakefield. As a biproduct of his involvement, he began the Wakefield Youth Basketball Program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. What started as a labor of love, continued for 40 very enjoyable years. Over the course of his leadership of the youth basketball league, Zack worked with and coached over 2,500 athletes and many generations of Wakefield families.
After spending his entire career with General Electric Company, he took early retirement after 36 years from his position as Manager of Finance with the Aircraft Engine Group. His retirement years were spent supporting his children and grandchildren: Caitlin, Zachary, Alexandra, Brian, Alexis, Noelle, and Sophia. He could be found at Wakefield High School football games, WBA, Wakefield, BB&N, and Big Ten basketball games, Hudson High School Cross Country meets, or classical ballet performances. He still found the time to try and perfect his golf game as a longtime member of The Bear Hill Country Club. Zack was honored to be recognized for his participation and contributions to sports when he was inducted into the Wakefield and Everett High School Athletic Hall of Fames.
Zack was preceded in death by his brothers Al and Peter, and beloved sister, Nicki. He is survived by his children Lynda, Michael, Rick and his wife Deana, his niece Ann, his grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces, nephews and his brother-in-law.
He will be profoundly missed by so many in the Wakefield community, but left a legacy of kindness, patience, and sacrifice to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield on Tuesday, February 9 from 4 p.m. to 7 pm. Due to COVID 19 restrictions funeral services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2021.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, to support cancer research and patient care. www.dana-farber.org/gift
