Dr. Michael A. Zavro

Dr. Michael A. Zavro passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on June 21, 1938, in Ulanów, Poland, Michael was the beloved son of the late Andrzej Zawrotniak and the late Maria (Lukomska) Zawrotniak. He was born and raised in Ulanów, where he developed the strong values, determination, and appreciation for family that would remain with him throughout his life. In 1968, Michael came to the United States in pursuit of new opportunities and a better future. He settled in New York, where he became a dentist and established his professional career, and later made his home in New Jersey. After spending time in Manhattan, New York, and Paterson, New Jersey, he eventually settled in Wallington, New Jersey, where he became a cherished member of the community. Michael pursued his passion for dentistry and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Wroclaw Medical University in Poland. He went on to establish a distinguished career as a dentist in Manhattan, where he owned and operated his own practice, Dr. Michael A. Zavro, DDS, for 45 years. He retired in 2009, leaving behind a lifetime of dedication to his profession and the many patients he had the privilege of serving. Throughout his distinguished career, Michael was an active member and fellow of numerous professional organizations, including the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, where he was a Fellow; the International Congress of Implantologists, where he was a Member and Fellow; the American College of Oral Implantology, where he was an Associate Fellow; the American Society of Osseointegration; the American Dental Association (ADA); the Academy of General Dentistry; and the National Society of Dental Practitioners. He was also deeply involved in the Polish-American community through the Polish American Congress (P.A.C.), serving as President of the Passaic/Bergen Counties District in 1980. A man of many interests and passions, Michael found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He took tremendous pride in his roses and loved spending time tending to them. He had a deep fascination with World War II history and enjoyed learning about the people and events that shaped the world. He was also an avid fan of soccer and tennis and greatly enjoyed listening to jazz music. Michael was a longtime parishioner of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Wallington, where his faith was an important part of his life. Above all, Michael treasured his family. He was the husband of Anna T. (Kowal) Zavro. He was the loving father of Annette Catalano and her husband, JC, and Mashenka Fiscella and her husband, Joseph. He was the proud grandfather of Raquel and Angelica Fiscella, who brought him immense joy and happiness. He was also the brother of Henryk Zawrotniak and the late Elzbieta Zawrotniak. Michael will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his remarkable professional career, his service to the dental profession and Polish-American community, his appreciation for history and music, and the quiet passions that brought beauty and meaning to his life. His memory will live on in the hearts of his beloved daughters and granddaughters, family, friends, former patients, and all those whose lives he touched throughout his long and meaningful life.

Dr. Michael A. Zavro

June 21, 1938 - August 24, 2026