Very sorry to hear of Mr. Zavada's passing! He was my 4th grade teacher in the 1976-77 school year. He taught us how to spell his name by saying the letters in a little sing-song way which I just did in my head right now. He was a very fun teacher and included humor in his lessons.
One of my classmates found out when Mr. Zavada's birthday was. On that day, after the flag salute, instead of singing My Country 'tis Of Thee, we all started singing happy birthday to Mr. Zavada! I remember he literally jumped in the air, turned his head from side to side, and had the biggest smile on his face! He stood there, under the flag, until we were done singing. He thanked the whole class and told us we'd made his day! Such a nice man!!
With sincerest condolences to Mr. Zavada's family!