Zachary Marc-Aurele

LEICESTER – Zachary Leo Marc-Aurele, 27, died on Monday, January 23, 2023.  He is survived by his soulmate, Erin Johnson; his parents, John P. and Lynda F. (Fitzpatrick) Marc-Aurele of Leicester; three siblings, Elizabeth Marc-Aurele and her partner Christopher Galbraith of Worcester, Daniel Marc-Aurele and his partner Michael Somes of Worcester, and Alison Marc-Aurele of Watertown; his cat, Professor Geography; his dog, Trotsky; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and loyal friends.  He was born in Worcester and lived most of his life in Leicester before moving to Detroit seven months ago.

Zachary graduated from Leicester High School in 2013.  He earned bachelor's degrees in both Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, where he graduated with honors in 2017.  He went on to earn a master’s degree in Public Policy from Northeastern while working part-time as a tutor and a substitute teacher at South High School in Worcester, MA.  After college, he served with AmeriCorps in Alamosa, Colorado and then went on to work for non-profit groups in Boston and Detroit providing housing assistance, job placement and fuel assistance to those in need.

Since his youth Zachary felt a need to stand up against inequality and injustice.  His entire life was dedicated to serving the needs of others and making the world a better place.  He had a passion for history, music and social justice.  He had a lifelong love of learning and encouraged it in others.  His voice was booming but gentle, his laughter was contagious, his smile could brighten the darkest places and his eyes sparkled like the countless stars in the heavens.

Memorial calling hours are Friday, February 10, 2023, from 2:00-5:30 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.  A service of remembrance will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the conclusion of the calling hours.  Immediately following services at the funeral home, a celebration of his life will be held at the Auburn Elks, 754 Southbridge St. (Route 12), Auburn.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/baad3136.