John J. Zura Jr.

John J. Zura, Jr., age 82, of Jupiter, FL and formerly of East Hartford, CT, passed away on February 11, 2023 after a long battle with lung disease. John was a great guy who had a passion for many adventures. Upon arriving in Florida in the early 1970s, on a transfer from P&W Aircraft, John settled in Palm Beach Gardens. He took a keen interest in two things, snakes and motorcycles. For decades he raised and rescued snakes and other reptiles. He was instrumental in opening the herpetology exhibit at the Palm Beach Zoo. After retiring from P&W Aircraft, John worked full time at a Brit bike shop he opened in Lake Park, FL called JZ Brit Bikes. John spent many days repairing, building and selling Triumph motorcycles. He joined the motorcycle club, Riders of the Lost Ark, where he spent many hours on rides and swapping stories with dear friends. John was also an avid gun collector and hunter when in CT. He enjoyed the gun range any time he had an opportunity. John will be greatly missed by his family and friends and will be remembered for his strong opinions on life. One of the last things he spoke before passing was "It was a hell of a good ride". He was also an avid World War II researcher.
John was predeceased by his brother Paul Zura.
John is survived by his daughters Deborah (Hewey) Goodridge and Donna Burkey, grandson Joshua Burkey, brother Donald Zura and wife Beverly, brother Wayne Zura, sister Ann Marie Alden, sister Jacqueline Connell and husband Bill and sister-in-law Susan Eblen.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in John's memory to the Palm Beach Zoo.