Leo A. Zabinski

Leo A. Zabinski  (1942-2018) 

On October 14, 2018 Leo A. Zabinski of Okatie, SC passed away at the age of 76.  He and his wife Mary Jane Wood Zabinski were

married for 53 years.  Leo had a variety of diverse interests that are well represented through the degrees he held:  an Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology/Political Analysis from Western Michigan University, an M.A. in Behavior Sciences from Colgate University, and a B.S. in accounting from the University of Rochester.  His career in higher education spanned several years during which he served as Dean of Students at New York University and at Assumption College, as well as Associate Dean at Creighton University.  But then, the travel bug bit him hard, leading him to found Classic Travel of Hilton Head Island in 1994.  Very simply, he loved to travel and particularly enjoyed sharing London with folks from the lowcountry not only showing them the sites, but also the best eating venues, museums, art galleries, and plays.  Actually, he knew London so well that locals often asked him for directions.  Leo was very active in the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) the world’s largest association of travel professionals.  Not only did he serve as President of the Carolinas Chapter but also rose to such positions as ASTA Board of Directors, and member of the Executive Committee serving as Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President of this international organization.  Earlier service commitments included Chairperson of Leadership Hilton Head, and Governor of the Carolinas District of Kiwanis International.  One of Leo’s very favorite activities was playing cards every Tuesday evening with his poker buddies.  Sometimes he would return home carrying a bag heavy with quarters. At other times it was much lighter, but he loved getting together with his friends and playing the game.  Leo was an avid reader.  His love of books began during childhood, but he and Mary Jane often joked that every time Leo ran out of space for all of his books, they would have to move to a new house.  Recently his library topped out at over 5,000 volumes.  (Does anyone know of a library looking for books on myriad topics?)  No local funeral services are planned.  Leo will be cremated and buried in the Wood family plot in Sumnerville, Michigan.  As per Leo’s wishes, his grave marker will read, “He lived a full life.”

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