We first met during my sophomore year..not sure the occasion, but more than likely during a deep winter lacrosse team practice session.  Andy was not a lacrosse player but an athlete who understood the nature of the game. Lacrosse was played 
 in an open field, by physically challenged combatants, running with abandon, and unleashing their pent up moods created by the somber Oberlin winter. I am sure that Andy would have said out loud to anyone of us nearby, probably Darryl for sure, where do I sign up? If the guys out there can play this game, so can I. We heard one say, and NOT anyone of those who knew him, “…but Andy, you don't know how to use a lacrosse stick; you can’t cradle, much less pass, and you  don't know the rules . 
Andy was not intimidated…"I can learn this game. I can run all day, and most important of all, with a lacrosse stick in hand, NO ONE will whack the sh** out of an  opponent harder than I will."  A lacrosse stick, he later would confess, produced more satisfaction than a jarring block at the line of scrimmage.  
Andy came from a tough steel mill town, ethnic and value centered, goal oriented and determined. I would like to think that my upbringing, in every way  common to his, from Steubenville, small town America,  with its steel mills and church every Sunday, brought a commonality that allowed us to speak the same language and travel the same circles. I  truly believe that he found Oberlin with its rigors and life style to be similar to his lacrosse experiences.
 He faced all his challenges in his own special way. Oberlin was the perfect place for him. He found his strength in the power of his mind and the quality of his thoughts  not in the existence of external  forces. These were the traits that drew people to him . Andy did not fear death. He saw death smiling at him and, without a doubt, the SMILING SLOVAK smiled back.
He will be missed, as we already do miss him.  
May his soul be blessed. 
Your friend, 
Manny Caminis ‘62

I am high school friend of Marcy, and met Andy in the 70’s at his 30hr-30th  Birthday Party. It was quite unusual because my husband was relocated to Va for work & I was still teaching in NJ, so we connected at Andy’s Party. The result was my daughter was born 9 months later!  Always happy for that party!! More recently I had the pleasure of Andy’s company for about 10 years when I visited on my way to meet other high school friends at our week in LBI  NJ , We will miss him.

I will always remember Uncle Andy’s generosity and thoughtfulness!  Those admirable traits were passed on to Uncle Andy and his siblings from our incredibly special grandparents.  His jokes, visits, Zvara look and stories from his days in education will be greatly missed! Uncle Andy’s love for Terra was fierce, unwavering and probably one of the biggest things Terra and I have in common – the unbreakable bond we have with our fathers!  His love for Aunt Marcy was just as strong; however, we could always count on some comical, quarreling conversations to include “Andrew” and “Marcia” as they addressed each other.  Christmas Eve phone calls won’t be the same without you, but you’ll always be there in our hearts!

IN MEMORIAM

Last fall we lost Perazich rather suddenly and in an out of the ordinary way.

Yesterday, Andy succumbed to decades of an accumulating whatever-can-go-wrong-will list of infirmaries and ailments. 
Strong as ever mentally, he could still bulldoze through mental gymnastics with any contender and leave one reeling. 
Joseph Alsop, at a long informal alumni evening session at Oberlin, said to us all that night that Zvara used epistemology as he, Joseph, used journalism.
 
Hardnosed, hardcore, hardheaded with nothing but love for family, friends, and Oberlin.
He will be missed, as we already do. miss him.

Friendships are what bind us in life, and memories are the remainder. 

May his soul be blessed.

Manny Caminis

Since February 3rd, I have remembered so many good memories of my brother. There is one I would like to share. After Andy was at Oberlin a few weeks he called dad and said,” I can’t do this. I’m going to start packing and going to work with you at US Steel.” I remember our parents started making calls. Andy called again and said he was packed and ready to come home . Dad said , he called the Dean and told him you’re homesick. Dad was going to work and Andy should go to the library. Four years later we were at Oberlin College graduation. If our parents would have allowed Andy to come home -the world would have lost a great educator. Miss you dear brother . 
Love,
Becky

I have fond memories of going to Oberlin College on Saturday’s with Dad to watch Andy play football and Lacrosse.  Andy took me into the locker room and introduced me to his teammates and friends.  As his little brother, that meant so much!  I used to take Spiegelberg apples to Andy.  Speaking of apples…Oberlin College concessions had great caramel apples, which I got every Saturday!  Many years later, I always looked forward to Andy coming home (to Amherst) to go to Oberlin College’s homecoming. During the homecoming visits, I didn’t get caramel apples, instead we were treated to real food by the College’s Athletic Department!  Some of his friends continued at Oberlin as coaches, or in another capacity, and it was nice to see them at the homecoming weekend games, too.  All were great times and memories!

Andy was my big brother who taught me many things; one of which was how to catch a lacrosse ball with the stick, but…it was only after the first throw hit me directly in my nose!

Andy and Marcy joined us in London for Janine and Oliver's wedding in 2014

We continued to enjoy each other's company.  Andy even became an avid rugby fan!  We looked forward to seeing one another and sharing our stories.  Fortunately FaceTime made it practical to connect frequently even though miles separated us.

When Andy and I met we were 18 years old.   We maintained a bond for the next 64+ years.

I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Andy, from book discussions to his great sense of humor, and I so appreciate the influence he had on Mark, inspiring him to read and travel and wonder and investigate. 
One memory I’ll recount here, because of how emblematic it is of Andy’s educational philosophy, and because of how he has influenced me as an educator. He told stories of travelling with students and allowing them to learn through their own experiences and mistakes, despite pressure (particularly from the parents of those children) to more closely guard our young people against the consequences of those mistakes. He noted that if a teenager forgets a souvenir, they are more likely to check for all their belongings the next time. But the lesson is never learned if adults step in and guard against it. And in the scheme of things, a lost trinket is low-stakes, as opposed to a wallet, or car keys. I think of him and this anecdote when I’m considering the learning experiences of my own students and measuring how much freedom to give them to make choices and mistakes, and to learn. Hard as it is to lose him, I’m comforted by how Andy’s legacy endures through our memories and his influence.

Many memories, but one of the most vivid is the stack of books Uncle Andy would lend to me during my family's holiday visits to Maryland.  Even though I was a kid, he'd enthusiastically recommend substantial titles--history, biography, science fiction, art--that he knew I'd love, And I did, happily tearing through the whole stack as soon as I got home. I think I owe my long career as a book editor to both my grandfather (himself an editor) and to my Uncle Andy.  Thank you so much for the love and inspiration!

Andy was my first and best friend at Oberlin and I don't even remember how or when we met. I do remember (and he used to remind me) that we would walk together all over campus, in the dark, talking about the strangest things, the weird science experiments we'd like to run, and what we're doing here. I read a quote from Cicero recently that really describes the kind of relationship we had (sparing you the Latin): 

"What is sweeter than to have someone with whom you dare to speak on every topic as with yourself?"

We've lost two very exceptional guys, more special than I really recognized at the time, first in John and now in Andy. All the time we had together, to me they were just my friends, and now they're gone I can feel just how special they both were. 

Andy said something to me about a year ago as we were ending a phone conversation. He said, We don't tell each other that we love each other often enough. And he said I love you. I could tell he meant it.

I do miss that crooked Slovak smile, and that chuckle. I definitely loved him.

At Oberlin, I think Andy and I were in the same dorm for at least 3 years. We both did all that macho BMOC stuff and we both had pretty blond girlfriends, we found at Dascomb Hall.  However, we played different sports.  Andy had bugged me to go out for football.   Well, senior year I finally did, and I was lousy at it.  After watching me splat a couple times, he decided to rescue me.  I guess the latent educator in him surfaced, he ‘splained some of the basics to me, demonstrated the moves, and I became less of a liability to the team.   That was Andy.  Someone needed help, he was there.
About 20 years ago we started having the occasional micro reunion over dinner in the DC area.  Sharing stories about the Dean of Men at Oberlin and all our campus capers was a wonderful experience.  The last time we spoke he said, we don’t say “I love you” enough. He was right!

Z, 
 My found brother. We knew and felt and honored its beauty. Without end. 
Delbert

Never a boring conversation.  Good times.

My Uncle Andy was such a thoughtful man giving me a present when I came to visit him for his 25 anniversary celebration. I will always cherish this memory.

What a wonderful celebration to be part of a decade (!) ago, surrounded by so many terrific people, great food, music, love, and laughter. The perfect testament to Andy's larger-than-life energy. It should surprise no one that his spirit shows through here. Always something to say, often a mix of provocative, insightful, and SMH. In other words, pure Andy. We're all better for having had him in our lives. Wishing you much love now and always. --Deb Jr

MY CONDOLENCES , LOVE AND SUPPORT TO YOU MARCY AND TERRA AND THE REST OF THE ZVARA FAMILY.   ANDY WAS ONE OF THE  "GOOD GUYS OF THE WORLD " IN THE TRUEST SENSE OF THE MEANING OF THAT PHRASE.  HIS LIFE HAD SUCH A POSITIVE IMPACT ON SO MANY PEOPLE OVER THE YEARS .  OUR FRIENDSHIP BEGAN AS COLLEGE TEAMMATES AT OBERLIN AND   LASTED ALL THESE YEARS  AS WE MADE OUR WAY THROUGH THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE.  ALWAYS ONE TO BE COUNTED ON,   ANDY WAS  A PASSIONATE, CURIOUS, CARING  INDIVIDUAL WHO NEVER STOPPED SHARING WITH  AND LEARNING FROM OTHERS. REST IN PEACE MY DEAR FRIEND.

Mr “Z” as he was lovingly called by his students was one of a kind. He was a great friend to the Warner Family. My mom Barbara and dad Teddy considered him a good friend. He was one of my mom’s besties! Our family was blessed to have Mr. Z teach several generations of Warner kids ( three of my siblings as well as myself and eight grandkids). He treated his students like his own and deeply cared about his work as an educator. Every time I walked into his school doors in the morning as a child I always felt as if I was going to my second home away from home. It is so rare to find an educator like Mr. Z. Parents if you have school aged children and find a phenomenal man like him in any school system you are so blessed. They don’t build them like him much anymore. To Tara and Mrs Z.,.. thanks for sharing him with us for so many years… Truly…. God Bless you both and know he has left a rich legacy and lasting imprint on my heart. Hugs Faith Warner 🥰

Andy was my only uncle. When my parents died five years ago, Andy and I started a weekly FaceTime conversation. We’d talk sports, politics, and anything that came to mind. I always looked forward to those Sunday phone calls. Andy was great to have a conversation with and I miss him deeply.

I attended Town and Country from 1st through 8th grade. I don’t think it is usual for students to remember their grade school principal 45+ years later. But I remember Mr Z.  He definitely helped make that school what it was - a diverse, welcoming, and striving community.  And that helped make me; I am forever grateful. Thank you Mr Z.

Andy was more than just a family friend; he was a beacon of curiosity, love, and some really good zingers in our lives. Growing up in Maryland without immediate family nearby, Andy, along with Marcy and Terra, filled that void and became our family in every possible way.

As a philosopher, Andy's depth of curiosity about the human condition was unparalleled. His insightful conversations could leave you feeling profoundly enlightened one moment and questioning your own sanity the next. Whether he was calling someone an idiot or celebrating their brilliance, his perspectives were always thought-provoking and genuine.

I'll always cherish the special gift he shared with me: a copy of Sophie's World. Through its pages, he invited me into the realm of philosophy, nurturing a curiosity that I strive to carry forward each day. While I may never match his profound understanding of philosophy, I aim to honor his spirit by continually seeking knowledge and questioning the world around me.

There are too many special memories with the Zvaras to count, but Thanksgiving 2023 will remain etched in my heart. It was a time spent with him, Marcy, and Terra, filled with laughter, conversation, and the warmth of family. Andy’s big laugh echoed through the room as it always did, a testament to his salty wit, and his enduring love for his family.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Zvara's passing. He was an exceptional principal and an even more remarkable person. He consistently inspired us to reach our full potential and was always there to offer guidance and support whenever we needed it. His kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.

To all whose lives were touched by Andy Zvara, I feel  I share with you a heavy heart today.  The Newport family was such a presence in our life for many years and I know our daughter Amber feels this loss as Andy so often communicated with her on Facebook over the years.  He was a wonderful role model and mentor for so many young people. Joe and I left the DC area many years ago but Andy and the Zvaras and Newport are some of our most precious memories. They added much joy to our life and he was a truly good man.  Diane Gerard

Dear Marcy, Terra, and our T&C/ Newport Family,
       We, the Parrish family, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you in your loss of Mr. Zvara, who was an instrumental part of the academic, psychological, and social education of Christie and Shani. Silas (deceased) and Ismay were proud to work with him for many years on the parent-teacher board. He was always open to suggestions and went above and beyond the normal expectations for a headmaster. We thank God for his involvement in our lives.
God bless,
The Parrish family: Ismay, Christie, and Shani

Gosh how I remember that photo.  Those eyes that stared into my soul as a kid.  Oh how I remember having the honor of sitting outside his office during break time for I think a couple weeks.  I broke the rules and I rightfully paid for it.  But I know he wanted his students to always do what’s right, and learn the value of taking responsibility for your actions.  Mr Z you always were and will be a wonderful man.  I’m honored to have been one of your students.  May God lay you in His arms for eternity.  May His healing comfort lay upon your family.  I love you Mr Z.  Always will.

My siblings and I were extremely lucky to attend T&C in the 1970's. 
    The student body was truly diverse, and learned, by the example of the faculty, to treat all people the same. In my 60 years of life, it was the closest thing that I have ever experienced to a color blind society. 
     Mr. Cohen assembled a truly all star faculty. I am a professor of mathematics at a major research university, and yet, Mrs. Garfinkle was among the very best math teachers I encountered in my lifetime. Mrs. Levenson, Mrs. Kramer, and Mrs. Fishbein, all made impactful and lasting impressions (even if they never taught me how to spell)!
    For me, and I think my entire T&C class, Mr. Zvara stood out as the most inspiring of among this all star faculty. I am so lucky that he was my 4th--6th grade science teacher.

I barely knew cousin Andy when I was growing up. We reconnected online almost 50 years later,  and I got to visit them in Silver Spring around that time. In that visit, Andy showed me his past 50 years in the way he lived his life that day I was there. He was the genuine article!  Adios, dear cousin!

OBITUARIO

Andrew A. Zvara

16 mayo, 1941 – 3 febrero, 2025

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones