Assumption College Mourns the Tragic Loss of Michael Zabroski, Class of 2005

Wednesday, January 28, 2004
1:00 PM

To the Assumption Community:

Funeral arrangements for Michael Zabroski have been completed. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, January 31, 2004, at St. James Church, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill, Connecticut, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Friends are invited to the Giuliano-Sagarino Funeral Home at BROOKLAWN, 511 Brook Street, Rocky Hill on Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to either the Michael P. Zabroski Scholarship Fund, c/o Rocky Hill High School, Chapin Ave, Rocky Hill or the charity of the donor's choice.

Two buses will depart on Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. from the Hagan Campus Center to transport students and staff to the funeral. Due to the unavailability of buses for the wake hours, those interested in car pooling on Friday should contact the Student Life Office at 508-767-7325.

Again, we ask that you keep the Zabroski family in your prayers.

To view the obituary that appeared in the Hartford Courant in the Wednesday, January 28, 2004 issue, please click here.

Tuesday, January 27, 2004
11:30 a.m.

College officials were notified late Monday evening of the passing of Assumption College junior Michael Zabroski. Michael died from injuries he sustained after being struck by a car early Monday morning on Park Avenue in Worcester. The driver of the car, who initially fled the scene, was later arrested and charged by Worcester Police.

In a statement released this morning, Dr. Thomas R. Plough, president of Assumption College, notified the campus community of Michael's death. President Plough indicated that "colleagues of ours, as well as some of Michael's closest friends, were present with the family at the hospital as this tragedy unfolded. We are all blessed to be a part of a caring community where each individual is important and precious."

The statement also indicated that counselors are available at the Student Development Center through 9:00 p.m. and that Residential Life staff members are also available in the Residential Life office until 5:00 p.m. and in their residential areas this evening.

During the next few days, a number of events will be held in Michael's memory to help the campus community come to terms with this tragedy. Today, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit will be open all day for prayer and reflection, and this evening's 5:00 p.m. Mass will again be offered for Michael and his family. A Candlelight prayer will be held tonight at 10:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

Although a memorial service will be planned in the near future, the College will be offering the community an opportunity to gather and share their thoughts and feelings related to Michael's death at an open campus meeting to be held on Wednesday afternoon.

Details about funeral arrangements will be shared with the community once they are available.

The President concluded his statement by asking that the Assumption College community "keep the Zabroski family and their friends in their prayers."