You may have seen this name in a school, a church, a gymnasium, the library or the VFW Post. You may have seen it in a park, on an athletic field, or on a tee shirt. You may have wondered, “Who was Amiel P. Zak?”
Amiel was born in a small house on East Street. He was one of six children born to Polish immigrants who came to the United States in the early 1900s. Like some of his Polish-speaking schoolmates, he had trouble learning and was required to repeat first grade. However, he stayed in school beyond the mandatory 8th grade. He went on to graduate from The Suffield School (now Suffield Academy) with honors. In only three years, he graduated from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Amiel P. Zak was a scholar.
Amiel was employed at Suffield High School when World War II began. Although his instinct was to enlist immediately, he chose to be drafted to be assured of resuming his teaching position if he survived the war. While at basic training, he faced a monumental decision when the Superintendent of Suffield Public Schools offered to request a waiver on his behalf so he could return to teaching right away. He declined the offer and was ultimately awarded a Bronze Star for his actions during an attack by Japanese artillery on Leyte Island (Phillipines) in December 1944. Amiel P. Zak was a hero.
Amiel taught at Suffield High School for 35 years before retiring in 1975. In addition to teaching, he established the work-study program to enable some teens struggling with academics to graduate by earning work credits. He would find jobs, place students, and monitor their performance to promote a strong work ethic and job responsibility. Amiel P. Zak was an innovator.
Supporting the Town of Suffield was extremely important to Amiel. He was a Commander of the Landry-Sic VFW Post in 1947. As a parishioner at St. Joseph Church, he was a regular crew member for the weekly fund-raising picnics. He was a Deputy Judge for the Town Court, a Registrar of Voters, and a Justice of the Peace. He held various positions on the Zoning and Planning, Fire, and Police Commissions, as well as the Board of Assessors. He became the Third Selectman in 1975. Amiel P. Zak was a dedicated civil servant.
Amiel passed away 40 years ago this month, so many readers will not have known him. He was not a wealthy man, and he was not a boastful man. You see his name throughout Suffield because he wanted to be remembered for supporting local organizations that were hindered from doing their best due to budget constraints. His son, Mike, created the Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund to ensure that legacy. This fund has supported local organizations for over 20 years, a testament to the enduring impact of Amiel’s contributions. I am proud to say that Amiel P. Zak was my father.