Obituary of Michael Zapantis, Ed.D.

Michael Zapantis Devoted Educator PEABODY—Michael Zapantis, 63, beloved husband of Diane (Hamel) Zapantis, died unexpectedly on Tuesday November 20, 2012 at the North Shore Medical Center—Salem Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a fall earlier in the day. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Thomas and Ethel (Alexopoulos) Zapantis. He grew up in Salem and graduated from Salem High School. He then graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in biology, then received his Master’s from Boston State College which later was UMass Boston. In 2000 Michael earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University. Passionate about education, his 24 year career in Beverly began in 1974 teaching Biology and increased to Curriculum Coordinator and K-12 Director of Mathematics, Science and Technology for Beverly Public Schools, 1996-1998. He served an interim post as Statewide Science Coordinator for Massachusetts Department of Education from 1993-1996. He later served as Deputy Superintendent of Pittsfield Public Schools in Pittsfield, MA, from 1998 to 2001, Superintendent for South Hadley Public Schools from 2001 to 2003 and completed his administrative career as Superintendent with Ashburnham-Westminster Public Schools from 2003 to 2011. After retirement, he continued his love for education and mentoring by serving as an instructor at American International College to candidates seeking high level positions in education administration, and also part of a team of consultants developing strategic plans for several school districts. Michael enjoyed sports and followed the Patriots and Red Sox. He traveled to Florida in winters, enjoyed maintaining and improving his properties and was a member of the Salem Landlord Association. He was a member of the Ashburnham-Westminster Rotary Club among other community organizations. He treasured his time spent with family and friends the most, and will be dearly missed by all he touched. He is survived by his wife Diane (Hamel) Zapantis of Beverly, with whom he shared 31 years of marriage; two sons, Thomas Zapantis of VT and Daniel Zapantis of Beverly; a granddaughter, Ava Zapantis of VT; a sister and brother-in-law, Toni and Ralph “Sandy” Porter of Salem, and a niece Heidi Porter of Salem. He was preceded in death by a brother George Zapantis. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 – 7 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Monday November 26, 2012 from 11 AM to 12 Noon, with a Funeral Service at 12 Noon in the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence, 11 Oakmont Dr., Ashburnham, MA 01430.