Joel Zarska Obituary
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Joel was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 24, 1945, a son of the late Margaret Annna (Gilbert) Gilbert and Oscar Zarska.
He graduated from Ambler High School graduating in 1963 aand served in the U.S. Navy as a E3 in the Vietnam War.
Joel was employed as a Professional Photographer, working with a photography Group in New York
Joel is survived by a sister, Janice Kubacki, of Destin, FL. and a niece.5/24/1945
Encryptment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Annville, PA. with full military honors at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160.
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6 Entries
Michael Kurgansky
December 30, 2024
Pam Onyx
December 8, 2024
I am very sad to learn of Joel's passing. He was a good friend of my husband (Ray Onyx-also deceased) and also Godfather to our daughter. Joel was always kind and thoughtful, sharing his photographic talents at some very special occasions in our lives. I send my sincere condolences to Joel's family members.
Michael Kurgansky
December 4, 2024
Michael Kurgansky
December 4, 2024
I was saddened to learn just recently (Dec. 1) of Joel´s passing back in September.
I met Joel 60 years ago in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, just as I was starting college. He had recently gotten out of the navy and was living there with his high school class mate who was getting a band together. Joel played bass and was very good at it!
Over the years we found we had a lot in common, especially our love for music, and our friendship grew. He moved to Philadelphia around the same time I did and we hung out a lot. He introduced me to a lot of blues and jazz which to this day influences my taste in music. I always had respect for his knowledge of music.
He became interested in photography, which was my main focus at the time, and then we had even more in common. We´d spend time looking at each other´s work and talking about it. He decided it was going to be his life´s work since he loved it and was good at it. He went on to school to learn more, and took several jobs in the field and eventually moved to New York City to do fashion and catalog photography. We were still able to see each other frequently as my future wife was going to school in New York, and I was there almost every weekend.
Joel moved back to Pennsylvania and started his own freelance photography business doing work for several publications and advertising agencies.
Although our views did not always align, we had mutual respect and a strong friendship that lasted until his passing. We shared many conversations and laughs over the years. Joel was talented, down to earth, sincere and a real mensch. I´m going to miss him! RIP, my friend.
Mike K.
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John Bennett
December 2, 2024
I used to caddy with Joel at Stonewall Golf Club in Elverson, and we used to play golf together on Mondays, even in the winter. I have been trying to contact him to see how he was doing, and found out a couple of weeks ago that his phone had been disconnected. I finally went online tonight and found this obituary. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Joel was a gentle soul and a really good man. I will miss him! Now, instead of praying for his recovery, I will be praying for some measure of peace for his loved ones.
Robert J. Miklas, USN.
October 1, 2024
A Vietnam Veteran has passed away today. Joel you have finished your final watch. A job well done fellow navy veteran. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The carrier has turned into the wind preparing for your final departure. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Smooth sailing shipmate.
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625 North 4th Street, Reading, PA 19601
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