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John Zilinskas Obituary
April 17, 1938 - April 11, 2016
Arroyo Grande, CA
John rode off into the sunset to be with the Lord on April 11, 2016.
John Patrick Joseph Zilinskas entered this world on Easter Sunday April 17, 1938, the second of three sons born to Anna and Victor Zilinskas. He grew up in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA and excelled academically developing interest in all sciences, mathematics, physics and biology. After graduating from Duquesne High School he entered the U.S. Army and served in Korea. John attended St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA and the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH with undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering and graduate studies in Nuclear Engineering.
John spent 36 years working for General Electric Nuclear Energy in San Jose, CA. His work at GE was centered on domestic and international commercial utilities built and served by GE. His work regularly took him to Europe and Asia and he and his family lived abroad at times. John was a noted innovator and developer of applications and processes used in the operation, servicing, maintenance and fueling of GE nuclear power plants.
John married Jean Lois Winklevoss in 1964 and the two settled in San Jose, CA where they started a family with the birth of their son JD in 1969. Jean and John retired to Arroyo Grande, CA in 1998 where John enjoyed woodworking, the Central Coast lifestyle and a good lunch on his favorite bench by the sea.
John is preceded in death by his wife Jean (10/2014) and is survived by his son JD & daughter-in-law Sarah, grandsons: Gus, Hank and Ned (Denver, CO) and his brothers Vic and Mark (Pittsburgh, PA.)
John's simple philosophy on life was:
"There are but two things in this life, the things you want and then the time to enjoy them."
Rest in peace Blood, we love you!
A memorial mass will be held on June 8, 2016 at 10am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church 501 Fair Oaks Avenue Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. Immediately following the service a luncheon will be held at Lido restaurant, The Dolphin Bay Resort in Shell Beach.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org/donate
View the online memorial for John Patrick Zilinskas
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Memories and Condolences
for John Zilinskas
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Susan Aaron Zilinskas
April 26, 2024
Love you and miss you Uncle John! I am sure that you and my Dad are doing well in heaven together! Love you Daddy,miss you EVERY DAY! SUSAN
Lori Zilinskas - Russo
May 19, 2019
I miss you Uncle John, but one thing for certain we will meet again in our Father's House.
You have been an inspiration to me. I miss sending you letters, photos, and our occasional phone calls. I wish I could have had more physical time with you.
I know how proud you would be of the things that ment he most to you.
JD, Sarah, Gus, Hank and Ned. May they find comfort in knowing what you're with Our Father in his house.
Love always. ❤
Suzan Zilinskas-Murphy
April 28, 2019
Uncle John,not a day goes past that I don't think of you. I Love you and miss you so much.
Lori Zilinskas-Russo
August 4, 2016
"It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." - Mother Teresa
Uncle John was most definitely a giver and gave with lots of love. He will remain forever in my heart and mind.
JD, Sarah, Gus, Hank, and Ned know that he always spoke of how much he loved you all. My deepest sympathies and love to you all.
Victor Zilinskas
May 23, 2016
To my Bro,you will always be with me in my heart.I will always treasure the time that we spent together.
Susan Zilinskas-Murphy
May 23, 2016
Uncle John, You were my God father and a wonderful Uncle. I love you and will miss you. I will always treasure the time that I spent with you. My Dad had such a great time visiting with you last year. You will always hold a special place in my heart! Deepest sympathies to J.D. and family.
Nancy Tilman
May 4, 2016
Dear J.D. and Family,
Our greatest sympathy in losing your dad (and mom). Our memories go back to 1964, when we 4 adults were living in the same apartment house in San Jose. Your dad proposed to your mom at our wedding reception.
As close friends through all these years, we miss them both immensely.
Our love to all of you. Wish I could be there, but it's too far.
Nancy Tilman, Jennifer and Jeff
John Ashburn
May 2, 2016
John, or John Z or Z-Man was a fine office-mate and fellow BWR Service guy. Condolences to family and friends.
Sara Harris
May 2, 2016
John (and Jean) were good friends and neighbors and such a delight to visit or chat. We are so saddened by his passing and send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers, and look forward to meeting his family.
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