Mr. and Mrs. Walter Zachariasiewicz

Nestor of Polonia Ties the Knot
by Marek Michalski

Walter Zachariasiewicz, founder of Friends of John Paul 11 Foundation, was married during Valentine's Day week-end to Sandra Rovsek-Crabb at Our Lady Queen of Poland church in Silver Spring. Following the Sunday Mass at the Church all parishioners attending were invited to a reception in the parish hall where there were toasts, songs and well wishes.

The marriage ceremony on Saturday was attended by a small group including witnesses: RP Maciej Pisarski, representative of the Polish Ambassador and long-time friend of the groom; and Holly Sukenik, friend of the bride. Also attending were the new Polish Consul, Piotr Konawrocki and his wife Julia and Walter's two Goddaughters, Barbara and Misia from New Jersey.

Fr. Jan Fiedurek and Msgr. Anthony Czarnecki presided. During their homilies they gave the groom advice to remember to end all conversations with his wife saying"yes dear"and to remember that the head of the household is the man and the woman the neck which turns the head.

The couple met a few years ago at one of the Foundations functions. She is a third generation Pole on her mother's side. She comes from Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of Esther Irene Grebeck and businessman Sylester Rovska. For many years she was occupied with the export of art works and ran an establishment "The Victoria Rose" in Bel Air, CA. While working for Lucky Stars Productions in Hollywood, she worked on documentaries about the Polish Pope.

For several years she has been a member of the Council of the John Paul II Foundation in Rome. In 2012, she received the "Pride of Polonia Award"from Cardinal Maida at Doylestown, PA.

Sir Walter is almost a legend. A person/institution of Polish Life not only in Washington but in America and Poland. His rich biography could cover several lives. After being sent to Siberia, his stay in Kazakhstan, wandering across Europe, his life took a new turn in 1948 in New York. He worked for UNRRA, the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency, providing assistance to fellow countrymen emigrating to the US. His life is full of sacrifices, service and dedication to Polonia, Polish, and Catholic Church issues. He has initiated or co-sponsored many organizations such as Polish American Arts Association, Friends of John Paul II Foundation, the John Paul II Polish Home in Rome and is a member and supporter of just about every Polish organization too numerous to mention here. His many awards and decorations include Knight Commander of St. Gregory; Knight of Malta to name a few.

The couple share a passion to promote and unite Polonia in the USA. They wholeheartedly continue to promote the work of John Paul II, the new mission of evangelization, philanthropy, aiding children and the less privileged layer of society. May the couple live in good health and happiness!