John Robert Ziomek

1954 - 2024

John Robert Ziomek

October 13, 1954 - January 6, 2024

Arroyo Grande, California - Dr. John Ziomek passed away unexpectedly in Long Beach, California on January 6th, 2024. Born in Bremerhaven, Germany to Major Edward & Eileen Ziomek, John was the fourth of five children. After his father retired from the Army, the family moved to San Francisco in 1962. John loved the outdoors and enjoyed being a Boy Scout - so much so that he excelled to attain Eagle rank. John enjoyed a successful football career at Sacred Heart Preparatory School and earned all-conference honors in his senior year. Upon his high school graduation in 1972, John was awarded the Mandarin Club Award as the most scholastic athlete of his graduating class.

In 1978, John received his bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Food Science and Dietetics from University of California, Berkeley. Afterwards, Dr. Ziomek attended the California College of Podiatric Medicine (CCPM). While at CCPM, he was awarded the National Health Services Corps (NHSC) Scholarship, which exists to fulfill the goal of placing doctors in areas of healthcare shortages. After receiving a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree, John set out to fulfill his 3-year commitment to the NHSC. One of his options to fulfill his commitment to the NHSC was to move to San Luis Obispo County, which was a perfect fit due to his love of the ocean.

After moving to San Luis Obispo in 1982, John opened up his podiatry practice in Arroyo Grande. Through the Five Cities Foot Clinic, Dr. Ziomek served thousands of patients throughout SLO County. After John sold his practice in 2006, he worked for the California State Prison System until 2012. Up until his untimely death, John continued to work at nursing homes and senior living facilities across Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo county.

During his 42 years on the Central Coast, John was an active member of the community. John served as the Grover Beach Planning Commissioner for 7.5 years, acting as Chairman for 1 year. John was a 30+ year member of the Elks Lodge & the Knights of Columbus, as well as a founding member of the 5 Cities Men's Club. John was known for his gregarious nature, love for travel, taste in art, and deep sense of commitment to the community. In the past few years, John lived his best life - going on regular cruises with Penny Petris-Hall, his girlfriend of 4 years and her son, Shelby.

John was a kind, funny, father, friend, volunteer member and proud resident of the Five Cities community. John is survived by his siblings, Nancy, Eileen, Edward & Mary, his three children, Johnny, Janice & Kelsey, his girlfriend, Penny, and her son, Shelby. He will be greatly missed. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13th from 1pm - 4pm at the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge.