Farewell to a Saugus legend

Amateur photographer Charlie “Zap” Zapolski remembered for brightening peoples’ lives

By Mark E. Vogler

Saugus’ beloved amateur photographer Charles “Zap” Zapolski stopped his popular daily posts of stories and photos on social media on March 1. But a few days later, his Facebook began filling up with tributes from grateful people whose lives he brightened. “Zap,” who was a frequent contributor to The Saugus Advocate in recent years, specializing in beautiful bird shots – eagles, hummingbirds and osprey – passed away late last week at age 81.

“You will be missed by many and have left us a beautiful legacy that will remain with us always,” Jacki Weller Kiddy wrote in a post last week on Zap’s Facebook page.

“Thank you for allowing us to see the world through your eyes and creative talents. Such captivating reflections and expressions of your observations, feelings, thoughts were chronicled with your photography and posts. You have made me smile many times and brightened my day as I read your posts. May the ‘vistas’ on your new journey be spectacular and may they touch your soul with peace,” Kiddy continued.

Zapolski, one of the town’s best-known amateur photographers, practiced his craft passionately, as if it were his full-time job. He specialized in birds, nature, sunsets, patriotic parades and Saugus history. And he willingly shared the photos with the public on his Facebook page

He developed a passion for photography as a teenager growing up in Lynn. His High School yearbook notes, “Charlie will make a good photographer because he is interested in everything and has a wonderful personality. … Ambition: Freelance Photographer.” Instead of having a career as a professional photographer, in 1963 he entered the Apprentice Program at GE in Lynn, where he made a career for himself. He started out as a machinist, worked several foreman jobs and also in a management position. He was a casualty of GE layoffs in 1967, but he was able to return several years later and wound up working an aggregate of 35 years for the company – enough to get a good pension.

In a June 2022 interview for “The Advocate Asks” article, Zapolski said he remained happy as an amateur photographer instead of doing it for a living. “Oh yeah. That way, I like doing what I do better. Everybody says, ‘Why don’t you get in it for the money?’ And I say, ‘What for?’”

“I just do it because I like it. If I had to do it for the money, I wouldn’t enjoy it,” he said.

Zapolski’s job at GE and his hobby were always important. But his top priority was raising a family. He married Kathy Johnston in 1965. She was a 1963 Saugus High School graduate. They were living in Lynn when they decided to look for an apartment in Saugus. They ended up buying their first of three homes in 1967 and never left Saugus. They had three sons: Michael, John and Kevin. Kathy – the love of Zap’s life – passed away two years ago after 58 years of marriage.

Over the past week, Saugus social media sites were flooded with remembrances of Zap and people searching for funeral-related information. “Many are wondering about services for Dad,” son Michael wrote on Zap’s Facebook page last Sunday. “There will not be a traditional service. However, a grand celebration of life will happen in the upcoming month or so. Thank you all for your kindness and caring thoughts. The update will be on the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home website, as well as here on Facebook where he loved communicating with everyone.”

Zap’s Facebook Page (https://wwwfacebook.com/gramazap/) remains a popular spot for 4,500 followers to continue their posts to the photographer who became a special part of their lives.

“I will miss all your photos, posts and positivity! Thank you for all your beautiful photos,” Helen McKinnon Meehan wrote in a farewell post this week.