Resident Wants Dean Park's Field Dedicated to a Good Friend

Mike Lodowsky, a lifelong Shrewsbury resident, lost a good friend in Bobby Zona, another Shrewsbury resident, who died two years ago. Not only was Zona a good friend to Lodowsky-he was a good friend to many. 

So much so that Lodowsky, along with friends, family, former teammates, classes and coaches, have formed a committee to petition the town to name one of its fields at Dean Park after Zona. Specifically, the committee will go before the Shrewsbury Parks Commission in August to request that a softball field be named The Bobby Zona Memorial Field.

Lodowsky had known Zona since 1956, living ten houses apart on Old Mill Road. 

"I have the greatest childhood memories of the old neighborhood," said Lodowsky. "It started in the first grade right up to graduating together in 1970 from Shrewsbury High. We were teammates at Shrewsbury High and beyond playing in the Dean Park softball leagues well into the '80s. We were always in contact with each other. He was my best man. Bobby was a wonderful dad, husband, son, friend, teammate, employee and an individual who most people associate with the town, and especially Dean Park."

Zona, said Lodowsky, was a 38-year employee of the Parks and Rec. Department, as well as a three-sport star at Shrewsbury High School and a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame. 

"We do believe the naming of the softball field at Dean Park will make certain his legacy is never forgotten," said Lodowsky. "One of my children suggested it to me, and I began to work on the project, but was let down when I was told that it probably wouldn't happen. Well, there is strength in numbers and with the backing and support of hundreds of his friends, I am determined that we will get this done."