Albert J. Zaranka

Albert J. Zaranka – Age 74 – Musical Director, Pianist, Educator

Albert J. Zaranka passed away July 26, 2024, in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Albert was born July 28, 1949, in Manchester, Connecticut.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony J. and Lottie E. (Mazurek) Zaranka; his brother, Victor Zaranka; his wife Ellen A. (Fadden) Zaranka; and sister-in-law Clara E. (Fadden) Coniff.  Surviving Albert are two cousins, Philip Ledwith of Connecticut and Linda Ledwith of North Carolina; four brothers-in-law: Robert of Washington State; Peter (Irene), Charles (Karen) and Philip (Cathy) Fadden all of New York; sisters-in-law: Mary (Gregory) Mayotte and Alice (Marta Sloper) Fadden, also of New York; and six nephews, five nieces, ten grandnieces and eight grandnephews.

Albert was a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, MA, in 1971 where he studied piano.  While living in the New York City area, Albert played in off Broadway and local theater musical productions.  Albert started his own studio, Studio One A in New York City (1978-1986); then opened Rivenoak Studio (1986-1998) while living in Fayetteville, NC; and continued teaching excelling adults and children at Woodcroft Piano Studio (1998-2015) in Durham, NC.  There, Albert volunteered as an accompanist for students performing vocal auditions for college and performed in a trio of local professional musicians.

Upon his retirement, Albert and his wife Ellen relocated to Fulton, NY to be near her family.  Albert volunteered as an accompanist at First Universalist Society in Central Square, NY as well as the All Souls Waccamaw Unitarian Universalist Church in Myrtle Beach where he was a member. They continued to winter in North Myrtle Beach.  After Ellen’s death, Albert moved full time to North Myrtle Beach.

Albert was always entering on-line giveaways.  After years of winning tee shirts, computers and televisions, he hit it big in 2015, winning the DIY® Network Blog Cabin Giveaway™ Grand Prize.

Albert was an enthusiastic bicyclist and antique Citroen owner.  He loved cats and dogs and couldn’t pass one without a pet or snuggle.

Albert will be interred adjacent to his wife Ellen in the Fairdale Cemetery, Hannibal, NY at the convenience of the family.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.