John Zele

John Zele, 91, passed away peacefully at home late Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.

He was born in Cleveland on May 3, 1934, to Joseph Sr. and Frances (nee DeLost) Zele.

John joined the U.S. Army in 1951, became a Paratrooper in 1952 and served in the Korean War. While home on leave, he met the love of his life, Donna. They married June 9, 1956.

He went on to work for Fairmount Foods as a driver and Ohio Bell as a linemen, from where he retired. After retirement, he moved his family to Florida and opened a small grocery store called Open Pantry in Cape Coral. He moved his family back to Ohio in the mid 1970's, settling in Euclid. After returning, John had many jobs, the last being LakeTran.

John loved to travel with his family, Sunday drives for Ice Cream (as he would say, "lets take a spin"), and cars. He liked to keep up on current events , reading a good history book or biography. John was an old-fashioned man who greeted you with a smile and a firm handshake.

His biggest accomplishment was his family. John and Donna had 7 wonderful children, Jon (Sheree), Don (Vicky), William (Yvonne), Glen (Marilyn), Julie (Eric), Laurie (Ziggy) and Terri (Chris); 14 amazing grandchildren, Shannan, Autumn, Keith, Stacey, Krystal, Billy, Daniel, Brittany, Cody, Brett, Jessica, Paige, Austin and Alyssa; and 18 beautiful great-grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna (nee Dommer); son, Donald Zele; grandson, William "Billy" Zele; parents, Joseph Sr. and Frances (nee DeLost) Zele; brother, Joseph Zele Jr.; daughter-in-law, Sheree (nee Woods) Zele; and father and mother-in-law, Louis and Helen Dommer.

The family is honoring John's wishes, he will be cremated and interred at All Souls Cemetery with his wife at a later date.

John's extended family, friends and loved ones are invited to share your fondest memories at a Celebration of Life, Sunday, Sept. 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. Please contact John's family for location.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.