John James Zavada

John James Zavada, 92, of Wilkes-Barre, passed on Monday, September 29, 2025, while in the care of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Twp. with his family at his side.

Born on June 9, 1933, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late John and Mary Zavada. He grew up in the Miners-Mills section of the city and attended St. Clair Elementary School and was a graduate of James M. Coughlin. John then enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed overseas during the Korean War.

After he was honorably discharged from service, he returned to the valley and began working for Berman Optical for shore time before he left to work for another business called Parrish Optical.

John, in 1971, decided to go off on his own and open County Optical. The business was successful for forty years until he retired in 2011.

In his free time John enjoyed hunting, fishing and going bowling on the local lanes in the city. He was also a faithful member of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish of Plains and a member of the Georgetown American Legion.

John was preceded in death by his loving parents, wife Joan, daughter Debbie, and brothers James and William.

He is survived by his loving son John and his wife Deborah, New Port Richey, FL; sisters Maryann Young, Plains and Joan Zavada, Wilkes-Barre; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the nursing staff of North Penn Manor where they treated John like family, and a special thank you to the Nursing Staff of the sixth floor of Geisinger for caring for John when it was needed most.

At the request of his family, a private service was held at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Plains where John was laid to rest next to his loving wife and daughter.

Arrangements were handled with care by the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., Plains Twp.