Michael D. Zagyva

December 22, 1924 - June 19, 2020

In memory of Michael David Zagyva

(12/22/24 to 6/19/20), our father passed into the arms of Our Lord with his 2 daughters Leeann and MaryLynn, and two of his grand daughter's Andrea and Britney at his bedside saying  the Rosary and Divine Mercy and lovingly giving him the support he needed to pass into the next life. It was a peaceful death, one that he prayed for and received.

The time was 3:10AM Friday. His oldest son, Michael and his two children John and Sara arrived around 4.  His third child, Kevin and his son, Christopher flew in from Alaska to try to be with him during these last moments.

Michael David was of Hungarian descent and his parents were born in present day Romania.
His parents immigrated through Ellis Island in 1910.  As a first generation American, born in Ohio, he left a legacy of 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

His other accomplishments: US Navy WWII vet, Gunners Mate 2nd Class, awarded the Purple Heart during the invasion of Peleliu, participated in the liberation of the Philipines, Battle of Leyte Gulf, Invasion of Okinawa and was at Tokyo Bay during the official surrender.

After returning home he married , Gloria Mae Brom (2/6/26 - 9/03/02). They were married for over 50 yrs. and had four children. He became a Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineer. He was the lead designer for the Apollo Launch Escape System. The family moved to Oregon in 1963.

After some vocational challenges, he became a partner and president of ManCo, a manufacturer of amusement rides.  Gloria passed away in 2002. After selling the company and retiring, he went back to Ohio for his annual High School Reunion, his 60th and ended up marring the first girl he ever kissed, and dated, Eudora Rush in 2003.

He truly was part of the "Greatest Generation".

Preceding him in death are his parents, two brothers, three sisters and his first wife, Gloria Mae of over 50 yrs. Surviving him is his current wife, Eudora Rush of 15 years, his children: Michael A of Canby, Leeann Cook of Lake Oswego, Kevin of Palmer, Alaska and MaryLynn Gardner of Beaverton and their spouses.  He has 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Dad was a strong advocate of the Salem - Keizer Community Center and the Queen of Peace community. He contributed and built many items at both places. In lieu of flowers donations would freely be accepted at Friendsofcenter50plus@.com or qpsalem.org. Thank you

Funeral Mass and Rosary July 2, Thursday
Masks required for those over 12 yrs
Rosary and viewing 9:15 - 10
Fumeral Mass 10 - 11
Private Military Internment 1- 1:30 at Willamette National Cemetery