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Bruce (“Buzz”) Zajac was embraced by Christ on Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. surrounded by family and friends after an unrelenting illness that he faced with amazing courage, grace, and faith that will forever be in the hearts of his loved ones. He was 57 years old.

Bruce was born and raised in Southington and most recently lived in Killingworth. He graduated from Southington High School in 1979, where he was a member of the 1978 state championship wrestling team. His life revolved around his passion, love, and admiration for his wife Jean and daughter Heather. Bruce was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing with his daughter and nephews, hiking, camping, gardening, and many years coaching with The Southington Youth Soccer League. Bruce and Jean’s Black Dogz Farm was their dream come true. This is where he found his slice of Heaven on Earth. His devotion to his dogs and horses, including rescue animals, was a vital part of his life. Bruce was a longstanding and dedicated project engineer with NIC Systems of Rocky Hill, where he felt more like a family member than an employee. He was a loyal friend and patient listener, who had a great love for his Marriage Encounter community, and whose devotion and love for Jesus carried him through to the end of his life.

He is survived by his wife Jean of Killingworth and daughter Heather and her fiancée Chris Petersen; his brothers Robert Zajac and his wife Debbie and Steven Zajac and his wife Lisa; his brothers-in-law Andy Corjulo, Robert Corjulo and his wife Marlene, and Michael Corjulo and his wife Diane; and his nieces and nephews Seth, Taylor, Justin, Amanda, Michael, Matthew, Brandon and his wife Kaylie, and Danielle and her husband Matt, and their daughter Alexia. He is preceded in death by his parents Maryann and Edward Zajac; and his faithful German Shepherds Nikko, Gwen, and Caesar.

Bruce and Jean want to thank the entire medical and health community that worked with them over these past three years, including the staff at Connecticut Oncology, Smilow Cancer Center, and especially the Middlesex Hospice and Home Care nurses whose compassion, spirit, and strength have been a remarkable source of comfort through their difficult journey.

Calling hours will be held on Nov. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 80 E. Main St., Clinton. The funeral procession will assemble on Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home and will proceed to an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial in St. Lawrence Church, 7 Hemlock Dr., Killingworth. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Westbrook.

In lieu of flowers, Bruce would appreciate donations to All the Kings Horses Equine Rescue. Checks can be made out to ATKHER, PO Box 88, Northford, CT 06472, or by credit card or Pay Pal on their website’s donation tab, http://www.allthekingshorsesequinerescue.com/Home_Page.php.