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BORN
1952
DIED
2020
John Zaleski Obituary
John was born on April 9, 1952 in Fort Dix, NJ. He graduated from Platt High School in 1970, where in his senior year, won the Hicks Essay/Speaking Contest. He worked at SNET and Frontier for many years.
He is survived by his son Jonathan (Megan) Zaleski, his daughter Ciara (Sonia) Houghton, and his close mentees Bob Hotchkiss and Scott Bethke. He also survived by his siblings Cassandra (Russ) Dibble, Ann (Carlo) Marchi, Mary (Chris) Sattler, Gina Zaleski, Luke (Kim) Zaleski, and Matthew (Kyleen) Zaleski as well as his aunts and uncles Lena (Steve) Nowakowski, Lucy (Ron) Meoni, Teresa (Jack) Butler, Joanne (Dwayne) Kennedy, Anthony (Sharon) Amoroso and his numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. John was predeceased by his sister Donna Zaleski, his grandparents John and Catherine Amoroso, Henry and Anna Zaleski, as well as his godparents Rose (Casimir) Nessing and Paul (Smigs) Michalczyk.
A few weeks before graduating high school, John suffered an accident which left him paralyzed from the waist-down. John's strength and "I'll show you" attitude empowered him in the face of adversity, making his life look almost effortless. John continued to be driven by his passion for athletics and music, competing as a member of the Spokebenders, CT's premier wheelchair basketball team. He also coached the Cheshire Special Olympics boys' basketball team, alongside his two brothers Luke and Matthew, to win several gold medal performances. John's golden vocal chords and flute graced audiences of his two bands (Long Sunday Drive and Tropical Hot Dog) in the Meriden area. In later years, he was known as Jonny Zee, singing karaoke up and down the eastern seaboard.
John was a loving, dedicated father and a kind soul, always willing to lend a hand or even give a second chance. John enjoyed old movies, especially those starring Charlie Chaplin and Barbara Stanwyck. He loved to play Strat-o-Matic throughout his life and taught many others to play as well. He was a lifelong Minnesota Twins fan. Above all else, John loved and enjoyed time with his family, and his dog Ella, who survives him. A man with a steely wit and a heart of gold, John will forever live in the hearts of those he taught, mentored, and raised, in addition to his karaoke family.
John's family would like to thank all the loving care he received throughout his illnesses. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, services and remembrance will be held and announced at a date to be determined by John's family. May he rest in peace - we all know the heavens are rockin' now.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Zaleski
Joseph Macri Jr.
November 21, 2024
I had no idea my friend had passed; playing with Long Sunday Drive with John singing and playing in the front are of the best memories I have.
To this day if I feel down I just think of John...I never in those years saw John down or blue , upset , negative or angry...or without a smile; in fact John lifted my spirits many a time.
All my love and sympathy to his family ; John is definetly a shining star.
April
July 20, 2024
John was a wonderful kind person and a gentle soul. He sang and played flute like no other. Still miss that sparkle in those beautiful eyes along with your wonderful smile that would light up a room. You have touched many lives with your kindness, and I will never forget you friend.
Love April
Mary Levandoski
July 21, 2022
Great times listening to John singing The Doors songs. Think he was better than Jim Morrison himself!
Denise Duffy
April 10, 2021
Happy Heavenly Birthday J.Z. ! (U know I always got the date wrong!) I wish I knew u were sick! I was shocked to learn u left us! I will always have a special place in my heart for u. Ty for all the fond memories! Rest in peace beautiful, kind, talented man w/ the huge heart! Hope u will watch over me!
Patricia Hinkley
August 2, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jesse C. Timm
August 1, 2020
To the Zaleski family, I'm sorry to here of the passing of John. I remember him being an outgoing and friendly fellow highschooler at Platt. May he rest in peace.
Demetrius Scudder
July 30, 2020
I was new to the department about 5 years ago. I sat diagonally across from Johnny Z. I am so grateful for all his knowledge that he shared with me, but even more than that, I loved every conversation I had with him! such a great spirit!. Rest in Paradise Johnny Z
A Neighbor
July 30, 2020
Your neighbors miss you! May memories of you be a blessing to all who knew you.
Cindy (Reale) Michalski
July 29, 2020
So sorry to all of the Zaleski family,
John was a man who overcame so many obstacles with grace and a smile.We spent lots of time long ago enjoying youth , he was a great friend and support to my brother Mark Reale❤, And myself,I hope they are now together on another happy and peaceful Long Sunday drive.
I will keep so many warm memories of John in my heart always.
Mary (Pilecki) Levandoski
July 29, 2020
Millie, Cassie, Mary, Gina, Matt, Luke and extended family and good friends John will always be remembered as really good guy and when I look up in the star lit sky his will always be the brightest and bring a big smile and warm heart to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him! God bless you all!
Sherry Kave
July 27, 2020
Sorry for your lost. John will be miss
Tom Nessing
July 27, 2020
John always had a way to make you feel special, to share a laugh, a memory or just a moment is something I'll truly miss. All my love, Za
Stephen/Vick Simon
July 27, 2020
So sorry to see this. Steve & I both worked with him over the years.. Lots of great times. He provided a lot of laughs and smiles to many. God Bless.
Steve Cohen
July 27, 2020
John, you were a good friend and co worker, singer and flute player. We'll miss you. Your life on earth may be over but you are finally free of the pain we know you felt but never showed. We'll see you on the other side. Farewell and Godspeed.
Janice Bozuchowski Swiatek
July 27, 2020
Millie, Cassie and family, I’d like to extend my deepest condolences. I’m saddened to read that one of my childhood playmates has passed. Johnny was so quiet and shy and
It’s great to see all that he’s accomplished since his accident many years ago.
It was great seeing you at Southington Care Cassie and catching up.
May Johnny Rest In Peace.
Prayers for all of you.
Miriam Dinicholas
July 27, 2020
Johnny z it was an honor to know and work with you. In loving memory of fun times we had tiger! Your friend, Mim
July 26, 2020
Gina/Luke and Family,
So sorry to hear about your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Mark Fazzolari
EDWARD j GRADY
July 26, 2020
never met a gentler soul...my deepest condolences go out to the entire zaleski family. i'm sure he's at a better place with greenie, babcia, henry and donna right now.
with fondest memories,
Ed Grady '70
Ginny Lawler
July 26, 2020
I worked with John for many years at the Phone Co, through it’s many names. He was a technician I could trust for help. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile He really, sincerely, will be missed. I’ve missed him since he left Frontier My condolences to his family
Mark Maresca
July 26, 2020
Z-man. You were a bright chuckle daily a work for years! Thanks for that. I have a few very vivid memories! Your talents were limitless. Rest now my friend and be unencumbered, Forever.
Rozalind Stanton
July 26, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ron & Lucy Meoni
July 26, 2020
We know the Heavens' are "Rockin" big time when he is back with his father Henry and sister Donna!! His "Wit" was passed on to him from his father Henry. God is going to have his hands full when these two get back together!!! Love & Peace!!!
Bob Stevens
July 26, 2020
RIP Zah! You were the best! From being your cousin to watching Long Sunday Drive and to knowing you at the phone company I was always proud to say I was related to you. My thoughts and prayers are with the Zaleski clan.
Mario Fusaro
July 26, 2020
It was a pleasure knowing and working with you. On to new adventures, Zman!
Thomas Lionetti
July 26, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Martha Lou Taylor-Biestek
July 26, 2020
I remember John when he worked in New Britain. Handsome, funny and a great Rep. My sympathies to his family and friends.
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