Richard Zasada Sr.

Born June 19, 1932, Richard Zasada Sr. passed away peacefully on June 27, 2021. The youngest of 8 siblings and son of Polish immigrants, Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Julia Zasada, first wife, Margaret Kane, and his second wife Virginia McGough. Brothers Frank Jr., Henry, Thaddeus (Ted), Robert and John. Survived by sisters, Marion Ellefson and Irene Kroening, son Richard Jr. (Virginia), 3 grandsons Richard (Angel), Anthony (Renee), Dominic (Lauren), 6 great grandchildren who he loved dearly Tiana, Alyvia, Elaina, Natalie, Jackson and Jacob. His devoted cousin, Jolanta (Leszek Miroslawski), his life-long friend Lorraine Strobel, his loving niece Ginger and her husband Tom Kolasa, and many other nieces and nephews. He attended St. Adalbert’s grade school, Washington High School and graduated from St. Thomas Academy. After graduation, Dick joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer CV-21 while going to Korea where the ship supported the Inchon landings and subsequent invasion of North Korea. Honorably discharged after 3½ years in the Marines, Dick returned to school attending the University of Minnesota majoring in Political Science, earning an Associate of Arts degree. Active in the boxing community, Dick was a three-time Golden Glove Champion who later went on to direct the St. Paul Golden Gloves Program for 6 years as the Executive Director and Vice President. Twice he was named, “Outstanding Golden Glove Director of the Midwest”. In 2000, Dick was inducted into the Mancini’s Sports Hall of Fame for boxing. In the political arena, he served as Senate District 64 DFL Chairman from 1974-1976, Fourth District DFL Executive Committee and Central Committee from 1974-1976.

He ran for State Representative, House Seat B in District 64B, where he lost by a slim margin but remained active within the DFL. He also served as Vice President of the Thomas-Dale Development Council. As a State of MN Licensed Real Estate Broker, he worked several years with Jerry Issacs and All-State Properties before forming his own company Zasada Real Estate. He was a member of VFW Post 6845 and the VFW National Membership Committee. He served as an active member of St. Adalbert’s Usher’s Club up until the time he and Virginia moved up to Detroit Lakes, MN on Big Floyd Lake, where they lived the fun and wonderful life of a retired couple in their beautiful lake home until Virginia’s passing in 1994. Missing friends and family he sold his lake home and returned to the metropolitan area several years later where he lived in Vadnais Heights, MN. A devout Catholic, he became a parishioner of St. Agnes church until his passing. Saying the rosary was a daily ritual for Dick, as was his morning coffee meetings with several of his “buddies” talking about everything under the sun. This coffee ritual continued until he was no longer able to drive. During COVID and the restrictions imposed at health care facilities, we moved him into his grandson’s Anthony’s home. Special thanks to Anthony, his wife Renee, and their four daughters, for welcoming him into their home during his final months and lovingly taking care of him 24/7. Our thanks also to Samantha, Bridget and others from Hospice of the Midwest who provided tender and compassionate care for his every need. Visitation will be held between 5 and 9 p.m., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Bradshaw Funeral Home, 1078 Rice Street in St. Paul. Mass of Christian burial, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday July 7, 2021 at St. Agnes Church 535 Thomas Avenue in St. Paul, with a 1 hour viewing prior to the funeral mass. Interment at 12:30pm, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Luncheon to follow.