John Matthew Zablackas
John Matthew Zablackas
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John Matthew Zablackas, age 71, of Osprey, FL passed away peacefully following an accident on September 27, with his wife, daughter and son-in-law by his side wishing for a miracle. John was born in Steubenville, Ohio on May 20, 1951 and came to Florida from Weirton, WV in 1974. He was a teacher and administrator working at Venice Middle School and Sarasota High School. In 2010, he retired after 35 years of service with the Sarasota County School Board.
Surviving family members include his wife of 47 years, Gretchen; daughters Amy Kraselsky ( Kevin) of Atlanta, GA and Lindsay Tinker (Don) of Osprey, FL; grandchildren Nathan, Ella, and Max Kraselsky, and Braeden Cameron, and Emerson Tinker; brothers Frankie of Weirton, WV, William of Weirton, WV, and Larry of Ft. Myers, FL; sisters Carolyn of Pittsburgh, PA and Christina of South Carolina. John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Sophie Zablackas.
During his retirement years, John enjoyed fishing, traveling the world, tennis and pickleball. He was active in the Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club serving on numerous committees. John was often seen on his red golf cart driving through the neighborhood helping others.
John's compassion was providing the love and support for his family. John was his grandkids biggest cheerleader at baseball games, lacrosse games, tennis matches, basketball games, wrestling tournaments and even dance recitals.
A memorial service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:30 pm. To share a memory of John or to leave a condolence for the family visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the hurricane Ian victims.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Zablackas, please visit Tribute Store
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Jon B.
August 19, 2024
As a student 20 years ago, I would frequent his office for various reasons at Sarasota High School. I'm deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Zablakas's untimely passing as I searched for him online to say hello and thank him for being such a caring and fair administrator. I wanted to tell him that our conversations together in his office helped me make something of myself with a career in the military, and an education in medicine following.
Carl and Jackie
October 13, 2022
Gretchen and family, we send our deepest condolences. John was a friend. He was a man of many talents who was generous with his time and energy helping so many. We are grateful to have known him. We will be missed...always our friend. C & J
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Jennifer Mainey
October 13, 2022
Gretchen and family,
This saddens me to the core. What a great man we have lost. I had such a great career working with him-there wasn´t a harder worker or a more innovative one! Always lots of ideas! Loved that guy! And I know how much he will be missed. My condolences.
Jennifer
Pam Monroe
October 13, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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