BOLTON–Metrophane “Mike” Zayka Jr, 80, of Bolton, passed away unexpectedly on December 30, 2021 at home. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 wonderful years, Gail Zayka. He was born on January 13, 1941, in Bolton where he spent his early years.
Mike was 1 of 11 children to the late Metrophane and Theodora (Chychuck) Zayka Sr, both from Ukraine. His family moved to Boston during World War II. Mike graduated in 1958 from Boston Trade High School, as a machinist, and enlisted in the Air Force in 1959. He served in the 821st Civil Engineering Squad in South Dakota and in Alaska. He was honorably discharged in 1963.
A machinist by trade, with an inventive mind, Mike was a business owner, known for his strong work ethic. Mike loved boating and was an avid fisherman. He will forever be remembered best as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, with a generosity of spirit.
That same year (1963), he and his brothers started a machine shop in Hudson. Mike was still actively involved in the business, Machining for Electronics, at the time of his death.
Shortly after he married his best friend Gail (Leedham) Zayka in 1968. In 1974, the Zayka brothers added Aero Brazing in Woburn, an aluminum dip brazing company. The businesses produce health care devices, parts for refractor telescopes, and products for defense industries, including a gyroscope that went to the moon.
Mike was a member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Clinton. He is a former Boy Scout troop leader. In his leisure time, for more than 50 years, he especially enjoyed time spent in New Hampshire at vacation homes on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Gail (Leedham) Zayka, his beloved son Theodore Zayka and his wife Anya and their 2 children Aitana and Tessa, his daughter Stephanie and her daughter Kya McCarthy; 6 brothers Peter, Nick, Grisha, Raymond, Paul, and John Zayka, and 2 sisters Helen Giambro and Fanny McIntyre. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He is predeceased by 2 sisters, Vera Vivian and Mary Ferguson.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 4:00pm-6:30pm on Tuesday, January 4, 2021 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St. Hudson, MA followed by a Celebration of Life at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial and graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Partners in Charity in Worcester at www.partners-charity.net or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org