Otis D. Zagorski (Don)
Our Big Guy (Zag/Z-man/Big Z) left this earth on Saturday May 22, 2021 to play baseball with the angels, representing his beloved NC State Wolfpack as #22.
Having beaten cancer and losing a lung 15 years ago, Don felt that every day of the last 15 years was a gift. He saw his girls graduate from college and continue their education-one with a law degree and the other with a MBA-and get married. How proud he was of them. He was able to love and spoil his two awesome grandsons for many years- almost to being teenagers.
Don has many acquaintances and very valued close friends-from Havelock High School, North Carolina State University, playing in the Valley Baseball League in Virginia, playing baseball “downeast” traveling to triple A softball, playing racquetball, and finally settling on chasing a golf ball around the golf course. As you can see if there was a “ball” involved - so was Don.
His heartbroken family, left to deal with a hole in their hearts the size of his big love, includes the woman he chose 45 years ago, his wife Barbara Ford Zagorski, his daughter, Kellie Zagorski Myers (little z), his bonus daughter (daughter by love), Tracy Sholders, his sons in law, Brad Myers and Jeff Sholders, his “buddies” and his biggest fans, Carter Myers and Joseph Sholders and his only sibling John Michael Zagorski, Jr- that he called “brotha”. They had a special bantering bond with each other, calling each other “my ugly brother” in lieu of saying I love you. His family was the joy of his life.
Don demanded no service and no “fuss”. He requested to be cremated and his remains buried during a private service beside his beloved parents, with only his wife, brother, daughters and their families present. While he enjoyed being in the bright lights on the ball field, his wish was to leave this earth without fanfare. He had a life filled with family and friends who loved him dearly and we will welcome you to a memorial service at a later date.
Don wished that you spend this time thinking of him while you watch a ball game, play golf, drink a beer, enjoy your grandkids, or shout “Go Pack”!! in his honor (this last one is for those Tarheel and Pirate Fans). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the NC State University baseball scholarship program in Joseph Sholders name (future wolfpacker), parking passes or food vouchers for families with children in the NICU at Duke Childrens in Carter Myers name or to the American Cancer Society.
