Longtime Warwick Resident and Activist Michael D. Zarum Dies at 78

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Michael D. Zarum, a civil engineer and longtime resident of Warwick, Rhode Island, passed away on March 3, 2026 at the age of 78. Zarum earned degrees from the University of Rhode Island and Northeastern University and worked for 15 years at C.E. Maguire as a civil engineer before transitioning to defense contracting roles at Raytheon and Oracle. After retiring in 1999, Zarum remained active in the Warwick community, serving as an active member of the Warwick Land Trust and as President of the Buckeye Brook Coalition.

Why it matters

Zarum's passing marks the loss of a prominent community leader and environmental advocate in Warwick, Rhode Island. As an active member of the Warwick Land Trust and President of the Buckeye Brook Coalition, Zarum played a key role in preserving local green spaces and protecting the environment in his community.

The details

Zarum, who was born in Providence and lived in Warwick for most of his life, earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Rhode Island and a master's degree from Northeastern University. After working as a civil engineer at C.E. Maguire for 15 years, he transitioned to roles in defense contracting at Raytheon and Oracle before retiring in 1999. In retirement, Zarum remained actively involved in the Warwick community, serving as a member of the Warwick Land Trust and as President of the Buckeye Brook Coalition.

• Zarum passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
• Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

What’s next

Funeral services for Michael D. Zarum will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Shalom Memorial Chapel in Cranston, Rhode Island, followed by burial at Lincoln Park Cemetery in Warwick.