Zarum, Michael D.
Warwick
Michael David Zarum, a cherished brother and beloved member of the Warwick community, tragically passed away on March 3, 2026, after being struck by a car in the aftermath of a recent blizzard.
Michael lived a life marked by service, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of others. A passionate protector of the environment, he will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and deep love of life. He devotedly cared for his mother, Marjorie Zarum, in her later years and was a loving and devoted son. Michael was predeceased by his father, Joel Zarum, and mother Marjorie Zarum. Friends and family remember him for his empathy, loyalty, and steadfast presence—always showing up for those he loved in times of need.
Michael was educated at the University of Rhode Island, Northeastern University, MIT, and Harvard, studying business and civil engineering. A lifelong student, researcher, and advocate, he also loved travel, photography, music, and nature, and was a scholar whose interests and talents spanned many fields.
He was widely known for his passionate civic involvement in Rhode Island, particularly in environmental advocacy and public participation in city governance. Michael was a familiar and respected voice in public meetings and local committees, known as a gentle yet fiercely committed advocate for environmental protection, responsible land use, and community well-being.
Michael was a founding member and later President and Chair of the Buckeye Brook Coalition, A RI Rivers Council Affiliate, working to protect the Buckeye Brook watershed and surrounding lands while advocating for environmental standards that safeguarded wildlife, water quality, and public health. His work reflected a lifelong commitment to conservation and thoughtful community planning.
He served as Vice Chair of the Warwick Land Trust Commission, helping to preserve open space, wetlands, and natural resources for future generations. Michael was also an active participant in Warwick City Council meetings, frequently speaking on issues of land use, zoning, and environmental stewardship.
In addition, he was deeply engaged in civic issues related to aviation and community health. Michael served on T. F. Green Airport’s Air Quality Committee and participated in the City of Warwick’s Legal Selection Committee for Aviation Counsel. He often spoke publicly about airport development, advocating for transparency and for careful consideration of the impacts on the health and quality of life of surrounding neighborhoods.
Michael approached life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He loved adventure, learning, and exploring new ideas. Remarkably, he learned to fly an airplane before he even had his driver’s license. Those who knew him remember his energy, intelligence, good heart and passion for understanding the world around him.
Michael remained active and engaged in life until his untimely and tragic passing. His life stands as an inspiration to those who value civic responsibility, environmental stewardship, and service to others.
He is survived by his sister, Ellen Zarum of Olema, California, along with extended family and many dear friends who are grieving his loss. Michael was a loyal and kind friend to many, and his presence and impact on those around him will be deeply and forever missed.
A funeral service will be held at Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Avenue, Cranston, on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. where loved ones will gather to celebrate Michael’s life and honor his memory.
In honoring Michael’s life, we remember a man whose compassion, courage, and dedication to protecting both people and the natural world will continue to inspire all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association
To view the pre-recorded service, please click here.
Personal note from his sister:
“To my beloved brother Michael, your heart, your passionate and respectable values, and your love for all living things will remain with me every day. I will carry your spirit forward in all that I do, and I am forever grateful for the gift of you in my life.”
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
Mike had a caring and compassionate heart! Each day of his life, he tried to make the world a little better and to be a good steward of the earth. He had an optimistic personality and he was a problem solver. We are grateful for the aide he rendered to our family. He will be missed!
Michael was a good and kind man with many talents. He was a dear friend of mine for over 55 years. He gave so much of himself to his beloved City of Warwick. He only wanted the best for his fellow citizens. He was committed to each and every project that he was a part of with unwavering dedication.
He will be deeply missed by me and all the citizenry of our City.
Rest in peace,Michael. Know that you were loved and made a difference in the world.
My deepest sympathies to Michael’s family and friends.
I knew Mike through his work with the Buckeye Brook Coalition. He was a fierce and dedicated advocate for the watershed as well as other areas of Warwick, and if there was anything going on in the City that he had questions about from a permitting perspective, he was on the phone to me. He had my respect and admiration, and his passing is a loss for the City. He will be missed.
-Chuck Horbert, Deputy Administrator, RIDEM Office of Water Resources
I was fortunate to know the Zarum family many years ago as I babysat for Michael and Ellen when they were very young. I’m truly sorry for Ellen’s loss of her brother and extend my sympathy and prayers to all of the family.
Thank you all who have written such caring words of condolences.
Your honoring of my beloved brother is an enormous gift. He so deserved to be honored for he truly served and did so with his whole heart. I respected his values enormously. It gives me strength reading of your love and respect for Mike. Rest in Peace Michael. You were so loved.
Mike’s knowledge and passionate concerns provided an effective voice for protecting human and environmental health in Warwick. As chair of the Buckeye Brook Coalition, he was a valuable member of the RI Rivers Council. He will be remembered for the depth of his concerns.
I have known Michael for many years; he was such a good friend! We would talk about our families and growing up and the memories that we shared. We connected on a very deep level as there were so many memories. When I would go to Rhode Island we would meet at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists and to lunch afterwards. Michael was a nice person to spend time with will be so missed. Baruch Dayan Amet—may his name be for a blessing! Farewell my friend…
Mike was a good friend for 50 plus years. I will surely miss him.
My cousin called me last night to let me know my dear friend of over 30 years had passed. Michael had a gift for genuinely caring about people. He took the time to not just hear what was being said, but intently listen to understand. We often spoke for hours at a time about what was going on in our lives, the projects he was working on, and the people he cared about. He enjoyed solving problems, and if you were fortunate enough to be in Michaels orbit he would do whatever he could to help. I asked him for help in buying a car, and he came with all kinds of research about the make and model I bought. I miss him already, and only wish we could have one last conversation. I pray he will rest peacefully.
Michael was a wonderfully intelligent and engaging man who was committed to community service and especially in supporting us in the protection of our aquatic resources in Warick and statewide. We will miss him and his contribution. Rest in peace,
-your friends at the Division of Fish & Wildlife
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s tragic passing.
Mike was a special part of my life for many years, and I will always remember his kindness.
Mike was one of a kind. Always active! Always interested in making the world a better place. The people who really make a difference are those who show up and Michael was always the one to show up!
He will be greatly missed.