Frank A. Zamarelli, Jr. of Salem has been chosen as the 2025 Salem High School Alumni Association Honored Alumnus.

"We make time for the things we believe in,” has been the maxim of Frank Zamarelli, class of 1982, for many years. 

Born and raised in Salem to a very community-active family, Frank was involved in Salem activities at an early age through his church, school, and Boy Scout activities. His classmates remember him as always being involved in the band, choir, theatre, and community events.

Following his graduation from Salem Senior High School in 1982, Frank attended Youngstown State University and earned degrees in business administration, management, accounting, marketing, and computer technology. He chose to remain in Salem after graduation and opened his own computer store in 1987. Always an entrepreneur, Frank has flourished for more than 38 years as the leader in Columbiana County for computer services and supplies.

Frank uses his many skills and talents to assist a number of local organizations providing leadership, management, marketing, and his computer knowledge. His business is one of the most generous organizations for those in need of computer assistance, and Frank makes time for anyone who asks. 
 
Frank has been involved as a board member of the Salem High School Alumni Association for more than 25 years having recently serving as its President. He also serves as its long-time Alumni Relations Chair. Frank has helped the association with everything from modernization to computerization and remains its authority for computers and technology.

Frank has helped his SHS Class of 1982 with organizing reunions and gatherings and even making food for the group. He also serves as the person who keeps track of deceased classmates, making sure they are memorialized at class reunions. He stands out as a strong leader of the class and is well respected for his activities in the community.

Frank remains close with Salem High School, serving as the Auditorium Manager as well as a game worker for football, girls and boy basketball, wrestling, and volleyball. He also volunteers for boys’ baseball and girls’ softball and soccer. Frank is a long-term member of the Salem High School Choir Boosters and serves as its treasurer.

For more than 35 years Frank has been involved in the Rotary Club of Salem having served as President, Club Service Chair, Pancake Day Chair for 30 years, newsletter composer, and technology leader. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow awardee and he and his wife Glory are members of Rotary International Bequest Society. Frank is on the board of the Salem Rotary Foundation and a Bryce Kendall Society Member.

Frank is a member of St Paul’s Church and has served as the President of the Home and School Association and St Paul’s School Foundation.

Frank is a member and Past President of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, former board member of the Salem Community Theatre, past member of the Salem Renaissance Committee, member of the Salem Community Center Technology Committee, trustee of the Italian American Club, Past President of the A.I.D., member of the Kent State University Salem Advisory Board, past board member of the Hope Cemetery Association and current board member of the Grandview Cemetery Association. 

Frank and his wife Glory have become synonymous with generosity and giving in Salem. Glory, in addition to her charitable giving, helped create the popular annual Gingerbread Day which provides more than 500 children with the opportunity to decorate gingerbread houses and celebrate the Christmas holiday. Frank and Glory have raised two children, Tayor, a nurse at Salem Regional Medical Center, and Brittany, chief operating officer at the Salem Community Foundation and Salem School Board member where she currently serves as its president. Frank's sons-in-laws Anthony Cappa and Tony Maniscalco are now part of the Zamarelli legacy of generous giving in the community and are recent recipients of Salem Rotary Community Service-Above-Self Awards. 
 
As of January 1st, of this year, Frank has sold the Salem Computer business to his daughter Taylor and her husband and longtime employee, Anthony Cappa. Frank continues to work for Taylor and Anthony, assisting with the transition of the company.

Frank is an inspiration to all in Salem showing us that we can go above and beyond to make a difference. He truly follows his motto, “We make time for the things we believe in.”

His inspiring speech follows:

Good evening, SHS Class of 2025, families, faculty, alumni, and friends. I would like to also extend a special welcome to the members of the Class of 1982 who nominated me for this honor who are present here tonight….. Dr. Peter Apicella, Dr. Matt Yerkey, Jim Harrington, George Morris, and Jeff Hochadel. Our friendships continue today after nearly 43 years since our graduation day in 1982.

It is an absolute privilege to stand before you tonight as the 2025 Alumnus of the Year of Salem High School. This place, these halls, this community—it's where I first learned the values that would shape my journey beyond these doors. And now, today, you stand at the threshold of your own next great chapter.

Graduation is an incredible milestone. It’s the culmination of years of late-night studying, early-morning classes, friendships forged in the cafeteria, concerts and productions performed on the auditorium stage, sporting events at Sebo Stadium or the Cabas Gymnasium, and lessons learned both in and outside the classroom. You’ve faced challenges—some small, some monumental—but through perseverance and resilience, you’ve made it here. And for that, I congratulate each and every one of you.

I want to share with you a lesson I learned after I left Salem High in 1982. It’s simple, yet powerful: Success isn’t measured by titles, wealth, or prestige — it’s measured by growth, by impact, and by the way you lift others along your way.

When I walked out of the doors of Salem High School as a graduate, I believed success meant following a straight path. I thought I knew exactly where I was headed. But life, as I quickly learned, doesn’t move in straight lines. It twists, turns, throws challenges in your path, and sometimes, takes you in a direction you never imagined. But through those unexpected turns, I discovered my passions, built resilience, and learned the value of persistence.

So, as you step into the world, remember this: It’s okay not to have everything figured out. It’s okay to try, to fail, to change your mind, and to redefine your dreams along the way. The most successful people are those who embrace change, keep learning, and never let fear dictate their decisions.

You are leaving Salem High School with more than just a diploma. You’re leaving with values that matter—determination, kindness, integrity. Take those with you wherever you go. Use them to lead, to innovate, to inspire. Your journey from here may take you across the country or keep you close to home, but no matter where life leads you, remember that this Salem community, this school, and Quaker pride, will always be a part of you.

So go forward with confidence, with courage, with enthusiasm. Build a life you’re proud of. Be a force for good. Keep growing, keep learning, and always remember that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you impact the world around you.

In conclusion, I will leave you with the words of Pope Francis:
Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their own fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is. Life is good when you are happy, but better when others are happy because of you.

Congratulations, SHS Class of 2025. The future is yours. Make it extraordinary. And always remember………. GO QUAKERS!