John Zak

John’s story began in Poland, where he was born to the late Stanley and Julia. In 1947, John (10), his eldest brother Ted (12) and father Stanley fled the post-war Soviet occupation and headed to America. Those early years shaped the grit that would define the rest of his life. He left school at a young age to help support his family, becoming a “huckster” as he pulled wagons filled with fruits and vegetables to sell throughout the neighborhoods of Port Richmond. Hard work wasn’t just something John believed in, it was something he lived. Determined to keep building on what he started, he earned his GED and went on to receive his electronics technician certificate. He worked at RCA and then Siemens, dedicating himself to his craft until retirement.

John met the love of his life, the late Helene, on a trolley ride to a picnic at Silver Lake in Bristol, PA. They married in 1959 and bought their first home on Torresdale Avenue in NE Philadelphia. Their first three children (Suzanne, John Jr. and Judith) were born in Philadelphia and all were members of Saint Bartholomew’s Church. In 1971 the family purchased a new home in Maple Shade where the youngest child, Christina was born.

Numerous summer vacations were held at weekly beach rentals in Wildwood and North Wildwood, NJ. In the mid-70’s the family purchased a camper, then subsequently a trailer. For 30+ years that trailer resided at Ocean View Campground on Route 9 outside Sea Isle City. John, Helene, their daughters and son, and eventually spouses and grandchildren enjoyed the campground, its pool and numerous beach trips to nearby Sea Isle City. His children and grandchildren were always amazed at his uncanny ability to float on his back out beyond the ocean breakers for endless amounts of time. An occasional special treat was a drive down to Wildwood to walk its boardwalk and enjoy its amusement rides … “Watch the Tram Car Please”

John and Helene spent 63 years married, a life full of love. They shared a love of their faith and were active members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Maple Shade.

John’s work ethic wasn’t just personal pride; it was a lesson he passed directly to his children. Retirement didn’t slow him down either, it simply changed his schedule. Mornings might find him swimming laps at the Moorestown Community Center pool. The rest of his time belonged to his favorite title: Pop-Pop. He showed up to sports events, dance recitals, cheerleading competitions, school events, and everyday moments. If his grandchildren were there, so was he.

During football season, John could always be found in front of the television cheering on his beloved Philadelphia Eagles. For holiday meals his family always looked forward to feasting on his awesome Potato Salad and his world-famous Cole slaw (“Cole-Slovia”) to go along with the kielbasa and pierogis purchased from Czerw’s on Tilton Street, and Pound Cake from Stocks Bakery. All Pop-Pop’s Girls (daughters, granddaughters, daughter-in-law) loved to eat sandwiches made by him. They were tastier than other sandwiches because he made them packed with LOVE.

John is predeceased by his wife Helene, his brother Thadeus, and his brother Felix. He is survived by their children Suzanne (Dan) Tokolish, John, Jr. (Jill) Zak, Judith (Michael) Checca and Christina Stryker. He was a cherished grandfather of Rebecca (Ryan), Daniel, Jr. (Rachel), Elizabeth, Victoria, Zakary, Julia, Jacqueline, and Kayla, and adoring great-grandfather of Layla, Olivia, Daniel III and Grace. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Come celebrate 89 great years on Thursday February 19th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 236 E. Main Street, Maple Shade where there will be a viewing from 10am-10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the visitation at 11 am. Interment immediately to follow at Jesus Bread of Life Cemetery, Mt. Laurel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at the above address.