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John S. Zema Sr.

John Zema Obituary

John S. Zema Sr. November 2, 1931 - February 15, 2009 Norwich- John Stephen Zema Sr., 77, of 12 Will Road died Sunday, February 15, 2009 at the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich. He was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on November 2, 1931 son of the late Stephen and Julia (Marko) Zema. Mr. Zema served his country honorably during the Korean War in the United States Air Force. John worked as a welder for many years at the Northeast Utilities, Millstone Power Station retiring in 1993. On June 4, 1955 he was united in marriage to Joanne Popovnak in Holy Trinity Church in Conenaugh, PA. Mrs. Zema survives her husband of 53 years. Mr. Zema was an avid poker player at Foxwoods and was known for his sense of humor. In addition to his wife John is survived by a son John Zema Jr. and his wife Darcy of Norwich, three daughters Stephanie Bruneau and her husband Bill of Colchester, Michele Maynard and her husband Todd of Uncasville and Marsha Dussault and her husband Edward of Norwich, seven grandchildren Jennifer Bruneau, Lindsay Bruneau, Bill Bruneau, Dane Maynard, Nick Maynard, Jayme Dussault and Jack Dussault. The funeral will assemble at 9AM at the Cummings - Gagne Funeral Home 82 Cliff St. Norwich, CT on Thursday, February 19, 2009 and proceed to a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at Sts. Peter and Paul Church Elizabeth St. Norwich. Burial will follow with Military Honors at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 7 to 9PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 2969 Whitney Ave. Suite 1-R Hamden, CT 06518-2556. Condolences may be sent to www.cummings-gagnefh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Norwich Bulletin on Feb. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for John Zema

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Cindy Cross

March 8, 2009

Michele,
sorry to hear about your fathers passing . My deepest sympathy to you and your family

Eileen & Jim Winski

February 28, 2009

Joanne & Family,
We were honored to be able to be there to attend the services . You already know how deep our feelings are for all of you. We are miles apart but still very close at heart. Jim & I will never forget all the fun we had when our families were together. Cheri & Jim Jr. will always remember "Uncle Zema" for his great sense of humor and abiity to tell a joke like no one else could. He will be greatly missed by all of us. We know he is up there with all the family and especially our precious angel Tammi making them all laugh. We love you all!

Stephanie Bruneau

February 28, 2009

Dad,
I still wait for you to answer the phone when I call and can't tell which one of the girls I am! I love you and miss you. You were a great dad who died supporting his family. When you played hard you worked even harder and I hope to instill that in my kids. We will help mom, but not as good as you did. I hope you showed them in Heaven who has the best poker face-because we all know.

Edward Dussault

February 26, 2009

Sad to see you go. Saturdays won,t be the same without your phone call to go yard saleing. May you find the best bargins in heaven, so long Pappy.

Michele Maynard

February 24, 2009

Mom, Steph, John and Marsha,
Try to remember all the good times with Dad. He did not suffer terribly. We have to all pull together now and make sure mom is OK. We can do it.
Love you all,
Shelly

Beth & John Smith

February 22, 2009

We are saddened to hear of the loss of such a good man. he was a pleasure to have in our neighborhood. we always enjoyed taking walks and chatting with John in his yard. We also had fun listening to his gentle chiding as he drove past our home and teased about our gutter being crooked! He will surely be missed

Caryl Glock

February 19, 2009

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Zema family. There are no words that can express how sorry we are for your loss. We hope that your love and cherished memories that you hold dearly in your hearts will help you through this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Glock family

April winslow

February 19, 2009

Dear John and Darcy,
My sincere sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
April Winslow

pril Winslow

Megan Hirsch

February 18, 2009

Jen and Family,
I was so sad to hear about your loss. I want you all to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rosemarie Arcurio

February 18, 2009

Dear Aunt Joann & cousins,
I'm so sorry to hear about uncle John, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We'll all miss him, along with the sense of humor and jokes he was known for! (His sidekick is waiting for him!)

Karen Staszko

February 18, 2009

We want to express our sincere sympathy to Stephanie, Bill, Jennifer, Lindsay, Billy and all the Zema family. Our hearts are with you.
Love Karen and Meron

February 18, 2009

Marsha & Family

I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tracey Stadnicki (Matthews)

Helen Spinner

February 18, 2009

Stephanie & Family,

So sorry to hear about your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill & Evelyn Bruneau,Sr.

February 17, 2009

Our sincere sympathy to the Zema family. Bill and Evelyn Bruneau Sr.

Jane Chalmers

February 17, 2009

Bill & Steph,
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. He will be surely missed. Love, Jane, Don & family

Doreen Collins

February 17, 2009

In Gods care you rest above, In our hearts you rest with love,Memories of you are ours to keep, Our words are few but our love is deep.

Karie Gray

February 17, 2009

To The Zema Family,
We are very sadened by your loss. We know the pain you are going through. With the strength of each other you will get through it. May his memories and legacy live on in your hearts.
Love,
The Gray Family

Cheryl Malinowsky

February 17, 2009

Dear Stephanie and family;
Sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My heart is with you. He will be in my prayers.

Jeannie Picano

February 17, 2009

John,
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jeannie

February 17, 2009

Dear Michele and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolances on the loss of your Father.
Sincerely,
Rosanne Kotowski

Evannie Bocachica

February 17, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Will Mercier

February 17, 2009

John'so sorry to hear of your loss.

Kathy Heinlein

February 17, 2009

Sorry for your loss, My heart goes out to you all. You all will be in my prays. God Bless.

Nancy McGovern

February 17, 2009

Dear Stephanie and your family,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Dianne Slopak

February 17, 2009

We're all very sad to see your Dad go. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Love,
The Slopak/Gelfond Family

Joe Rogulski

February 17, 2009

Sorry for your loss.

Michelle Clark

February 17, 2009

I'm very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

gregory goss

February 17, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

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