Life of Carl Zdeb deserves attention
On May 12, Carl A. Zdeb passed away at the age of 85. His obituary appeared in the Daily Herald, but I searched the entire paper for the next week, certain that I would find a feature article on his life, but there was none to be found!
Carl Zdeb served 10 years as principal of James B. Conant High School, and then became assistant superintendent of District 211. For most people, that would be more than enough to qualify him as a special person, but Carl Zdeb was so much more.
Carl was a very active and involved Rotarian and actively involved in United Way. In retirement he fought to get recognition for District 211 graduates who served in the armed forces. Were it not for Carl, Conant's 50th anniversary would have come and gone without much of a celebration.
Whenever he came upon a situation that needed a champion, Carl was there. A month before his death, he called me to ask if I knew anyone in a neighboring school district who could help a lady he met whose son was trying to get a job.
As Conant principal, Carl got to know many students well, doing all in his power to see that students who had problems got whatever help the district could provide. Whenever a teacher, sponsor, or coach did something worthy of an "attaboy," they could always count on finding a note from Carl in their mailboxes. Carl was never one to seek recognition for his endeavors although he certainly deserved it.
Carl was the son of poor Polish immigrants and worked hard to put himself through school and get a job in education. Carl was married for 64 years to his beloved Dodie. He was the father of three boys and grandfather of four.
Carl A. Zdeb was a true example of a genuine humanitarian! The Daily Herald missed an opportunity to give much deserved recognition to this very special man.
How quickly we forget the giants!
Frank P. Sesko
Inverness