Northborough

Alfred Paul Zaterka, 91, of Northborough, Massachusetts, was called home by the Lord on December 10, 2025, the day before his 92nd birthday. He passed peacefully in his own bed. He is survived by Julie (Hmura), his wife of 62 years, and their three sons, John and his wife Rita of San Francisco, CA, Andrew and his wife Daintry of Southborough, MA, and Matthew of Berlin, MA. He was the beloved "Papa" to his five grandchildren, Tommy, Natalie, Dylan, Annabel, and Agatha, and brother-in-law to Christine Hmura and her husband Gregory Topakian of Westborough, MA, and Jill Zaterka of Dennis, MA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Theophile Zaterka, and his brothers, Robert and Theodore.

Al was raised in the Vernon Hill neighborhood of Worcester. A sportsman all his life, he grew up hunting, fishing, and "raising hell" with his brothers and a posse of colorfully nicknamed pals in Ballard Woods near the Blackstone River. He graduated from Commerce High School, Worcester Junior College, and Clark University. Al proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years and was stationed in Germany, which provided ample opportunity for him to travel across Europe. He enjoyed telling stories of his adventures, and he traveled so frequently that when he was honorably discharged, he owed the government money for taking too much leave.

After college, Al joined Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., where he worked for 33 years, serving also as President of the Worcester County Adjusters Association. He finished out his career at the law firm of Uehlein, Nason & Wall. He loved his work and everyone he worked with, but also enjoyed "skipping out" early on a Friday to get things started.

Al and Julie grew up in the same neighborhood but didn't truly meet until their parents introduced them during a trip to Cape Cod. Their connection deepened when Al's best friend, Gene Hogan, began dating Julie's best friend, Carole. The two couples married a year apart, raised their families together, and remained best friends all their lives. In West Boylston and later in Northborough, where they settled to raise their family, Al and Julie had a unique gift for turning neighbors into lifelong friends.

Al was deeply involved in the Northborough community. He enthusiastically coached his sons in various sports, and his dedication to the town was recognized when he was elected "King Lion" of the Northborough Lions Club. A lifelong golfer, he cherished playing rounds with his friends, sons, and grandchildren. He loved to play billiards, and in retirement, he took pride in beating up the surrounding towns in the senior center pool league.

Al's world revolved around his family and friends: fishing with his boys, taking Julie out dancing or to the movies, dinners and card nights with friends, apple and blueberry picking with his grandchildren, and cheering them on from the sidelines of basketball and softball games when they got older. He was generous with his time and attention and was adored by all.

While Alfred vacationed in beautiful spots around the world, his happiest place was Cape Cod Bay, navigating the waves in his boat, the Oh Al. He achieved local legend status on Cold Storage Beach in Dennis, MA, as "The Lobster Man." His arrival created a stir: parading down the sand in his wetsuit, mask, and fins on his way to check his pots. He fished, lobstered, and clammed from the moment he arrived at the beach until it was time to go home. The dwindling population of oysters, crabs, lobsters, stripers, clams, and quahogs in the bay is proof of his passion for the hunt, which was overshadowed only by his enjoyment of a nice drink and a fresh catch surrounded by his family.

Friends can visit with Al's family at the Hays Funeral Home. 56 Main Street, Northborough on Sunday, December 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough on Monday, December 22, at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at Howard Street Cemetery in Northborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Rose of Lima Youth Ministry. To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.