Frank Zacharias (age 87)
August 29, 2026

Lifelong Hamtramck resident Frank Zacharias passed away Saturday August 29 at home with his daughter Amy by his side. He was 87.

Frank was the 11th of 14 in a deeply rooted Hamtramck family. At a time when hospital births were rare, Frank was born in his house on Casmere. It is there that he grew up, raised his own family, enjoyed an active retirement, and eventually died. Frank was regularly quoted in articles about Hamtramck, and as recently as 2025: Hamtramck, once-dominant Poles find themselves outnumbered

Frank attended St. Ladislaus Elementary School. He became an altar boy in 4th grade and continued to serve until adulthood. Frank then attended St. Lad’s High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Frank’s family found several clippings from local papers highlighting his athletic achievements. After graduating in 1957 Frank remained active in St. Lad’s schools while there were still open, and in the church until it closed in 2024. Frank served as an usher, Parish Council member, and volunteered at every event or fundraiser St. Lad’s would have.

Frank joined the Army 1958 and was stationed in Germany for about 16 months. He was a tank crewman, driver, and gunner. He found it difficult being away from home as such a young man, but enjoyed being able to travel all over Europe and learn about other cultures, especially German culture. He has many fond memories of his time there.

After being discharged from the Army, Frank worked for the State Liquor Commission but was happy to get a job at the US Post Office in 1966. Frank was assigned routes all around the Detroit area, but in the 1980s he was assigned a routes in Hamtramck. For a time he delivered mail to his own house, which did not go over well with his children when they wanted to intercept notes from their schools. As the local mailman, Frank became known all over town. And he remembered the people on his route! You weren’t just Basia Polski you were “Basia Polski at 1111 Casmere”, or “Jozef Kowalski at 22222 Sobieski”. Frank retired from the USPS in October 1992.

After retiring Frank joined the Rainbow Seniors at St. Lad’s church. As one of the younger seniors at the time, he was quickly recognized as a leader and was elected President of the group. He sorganized activities and bus trips to keep the seniors active. Word quickly spread to other churches in the area and soon the trips were full of old and new friends alike. They would go to casinos, botanical gardens, dinner theaters, local tourist areas, etc. both in state and out of state. He tried to do trips that other senior groups weren’t doing at the time. Frank retired from the Rainbow Seniors in 2018.

An avid sports fan, Frank attended everything from U of M football to his beloved Detroit Tigers. He also worked as an usher at Tiger Stadium from 1982 until it closed in 1999

Throughout his life it was important to Frank to support his community. He did everything from selling raffle tickets for neighboring parishes, to running for a National Officer position with the PRCUA, and was a regular at fundraisers and events all over Hamtramck.

He was also active in many Veterans’ Posts including PLAV Post 10 and American Legion Post 455, often serving as chaplain.

Frank was pre-deceased by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Marge, and his oldest daughter Janice. He will be remembered by his surviving children Amy, Martin (Erin), and Julie. Fondly remembered by his grandchildren Kristopher, Jake, Ryan, Connor, Shane, Carolyn and Rachel. Left to cherish his memory are his bonus daughter Becky Ruzycki, goddaughters Marcy Kopacz and Maria Scavo and numerous nephews, nieces, and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to  Gary Sinise Foundation

Memorial Visitation

Friday, October 2, 2026 from 2 – 7 PM Prayers at 6 PM

Jurkiewicz & Wilk Funeral Home (map)
2396 Caniff
Hamtramck MI 48212

Memorial Mass

Saturday, October 3, 2026 at  11 AM

Saint Florian Catholic Church (map)
2626 Poland
Hamtramck MI 48212

Inurnment

Monday, October 5, 2026 at 1 PM

Great Lakes National Cemetery(map)
4200 Belford Road
Holly MI 48442