Delta band director Zach Karpuszka died due to complications from an ear infection that led to meningitis, according to his wife, Alissa.
DELTA, Ohio — The Delta music community is mourning the sudden loss of a local high school band director whose passion for music and devotion to students left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Family members say Zach Karpuszka, band director at Pike-Delta-York Schools, died Monday from complications of an ear infection that led to meningitis. He was remembered by loved ones, colleagues and former classmates as a dedicated educator, musician and father.
Karpuszka’s wife, Alissa, said her husband had long dreamed of becoming a band director and devoted his life to sharing his love of music with others.
“He always told me that he had a passion for music and knew he wanted to be a band director from the very beginning,” she said.
Karpuszka served as band director at Pike-Delta-York Schools for the past three years. Before that, he worked in music ministry at Saint John XXIII Catholic Parish in Perrysburg, where he helped lead worship through song.
Friends say music was central to his life. Tyler Dohar met Karpuszka in 2016 while both were students in the men’s chorus at Bowling Green State University. The two later formed a mentor relationship through the music fraternity Phi Alpha Sinfonia, which grew into a close friendship.
“He would never want anybody to put down an instrument or stop using their voice for music,” Dohar said. “He was an incredibly genuine person.”
Karpuszka and his wife met while attending BGSU. The couple had been married for four and a half years and were raising their 2-year-old daughter, Millie.
Alissa described her husband as a loving father who brought joy to those around him.
“He was very fun, loving and caring,” she said. “He always had a good joke to say. He never took anything too seriously because he always wanted you to be laughing and having fun.”
His death has left family members, friends, students and the broader Delta community grieving an unexpected loss. Loved ones say his dedication to teaching and his encouragement of young musicians will continue to influence students for years to come.
In addition to music, family members said Karpuszka enjoyed Disney, the Pittsburgh Steelers and golf.
A funeral service for Karpuszka is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday at Saint John XXIII Catholic Parish in Perrysburg.