John Joseph Zajac Jr.

Former State Senator John Joseph Zajac, Jr., 90, of Durham, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2023 surrounded by his loving family he led to build.

John was born November 15, 1932 on his Babci's farm in Middlefield, CT by a midwife to the late Stella Kokoszka and John Joseph Zajac, Sr. John was married to the love of his life the former Alice Marie Montana for 61 years and raised six children. They resided at 33 Dexter Avenue in Meriden until moving to Durham in 2006. John and Alice enjoyed a well deserved and enjoyable retirement in Durham.

John attended St. Stanislaus Grammar School where he served as an altar boy. He also attended Meriden High School graduating in 1950. While at Meriden High School John lettered in three sports, basketball, baseball and soccer. John played the accordion and had his own band while in high school. John also attended St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medical and dental. Alice and John courted throughout their college years.

John was in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War veteran serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the 25th Tropical Lightening Infantry Division in the Pacific serving in Charlie Battery of the Artillery Battalion. He was stationed in Oklahoma and Hawaii.

John served his community and the state most of his life. His record of public service in the Meriden area extends three decades. He was chairman of the Meriden Board of Tax review, State Senator and Majority Leader from 1970-1974. He was appointed Deputy Minority Leader then later Majority Leader and House Whip in the State House of Representatives. John served with Governors Tom Meskill, Ella Grasso, William O'Neil and Lowell Weicker.

John was nominated at the Republican State convention to run as the State Treasurer on the Robert Steel ticket. While in office he was responsible for many bills that became law including the first state Hospital Cost Commission where he constantly supported legislation to benefit firemen, police and teachers. His efforts included funds for Vocational Tech opportunities and cost of living adjustments for teacher's pensions.

John was instrumental as a bill sponsor in establishing funds for the first Copernicus Planetarium at the Southern Connecticut State College. He was the recipient of the excellence award from Polish American Congress for his work to establish a visiting professorship in Polish studies at the Connecticut State College.

John was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, a member of the Polish League of American War Vets, Polish American Congress, Polish National Alliance, and was made a lifetime member of the Franco-American Club and Fraternal order of Elks. John was the recipient of the Eisenhower Award from the Young Republican Club, served as Post Chancellor of Knights of Columbus, recipient of Outstanding Polish American from the Eagles, Polish Americans Award from the Elks, past Vice-President of Meriden Jaycees, past member of Board of Directors of American Pony League and Coach of Ed Walsh Little League. The late Henry Healy awarded him honorary Deputy Sheriff for his support of the Police and Sheriff Association. He was a dedicated public servant who viewed his elected obligations as an opportunity to participate in government for the good of the people.

John successfully ran for public office for 23 years. He was dually endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans his last term in office. He was honored by state colleagues from both parties with a testimonial dinner to honor his retirement from state politics in 1993.

John was employed for 38 years as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Lederle Labs. While there he received the Golden Cup Award for outstanding sales in the Northeast region twice. He was also the recipient of the coveted "Golden Oval Award" for excellence for being in the top two in the US of all divisions of American Cyanamid including pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural and veterinary. He retired from Lederle Labs in 1997.

John was Vice President and member of the Smugglers Cove Condominium Board of Directors in Fort Myers Beach, Florida where he and his wife resided in the winter months. They were able to spend many years on Fort Myers Beach enjoying many dear friends which included poolside and evening get togethers as they viewed the enchanting sunsets. They loved taking walks on the beach while looking for shells.

John lost his beloved wife Alice after a courageous battle with lung cancer in 2015. He was predeceased by 3 of his sons, John "Jay" in 2007, Richard in 2018 and Michael in 2019. John is survived by his 3 remaining children, Thomas and his wife Gisele of North Carolina, Karen Olson and her husband Paul of Meriden and Jeffrey and his wife Kimberly of Durham and his daughter-in-law Joanne of Westbrook. John is survived by 13 grandchildren Jeremy and Sarah Zajac of Florida, Scott Zajac, Shauna Panella and her husband Mike, Jaren and Colin Zajac of Westbrook, Megan Olson and her husband Mike of Meriden, Kyle Olson and his wife Liz of Oregon, Jenifer Coffield of Durham, De'Valis Coffield of Middletown, Heather Zajac of Durham, Kaitlyn Christoforo and her husband Dan of Wallingford, Rachel Zajac and her fiancé Billy Gannon of Durham and Callie Zajac. John is also survived by 11 great- grandchildren, Chris, Jianna, Nicholas, Jaxon, Aleesia, Layla, Jordyn, Raleigh, De'Valis Jr, Trevon, and Naomi. John loved telling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he could "make magic" and often told them wild stories.

John enjoyed fishing, golf and gardening. He taught his sons and daughter to fly fish always taking them out on opening day of the fishing season. John was a dedicated and loyal supporter of the Saint Louis Cardinals Baseball team in the National League and the Boston Red Sox in the American League. He never missed a game of his beloved UCONN men's and women's basketball games. John loved God, family, his country, life, polka music and dancing. He and his wife Alice went out dancing weekends at every opportunity they could. John J. Zajac, Jr. was a man with character as solid as his handshake and a heart that was always in the right place. John and Alice's favorite song was "Always" and their motto for the family was "Now and Forever". In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105-9959.

John's family will receive relatives and friends at the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home, 450 Broad Street, Meriden, CT., Friday, September 1, 2023 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of John J. Zajac Jr. will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Church, 82 Akron St., Meriden. John will be laid to rest with military honors in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, 384 Ann St. Ext., Meriden. For online condolences or directions visit: www.meridenmemorialfh.com