John Edward Zolondz, 79, of Merrillville, Indiana, passed away on July 3 in Peoria, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him. Whether you knew him as John, Johnny Z, Big Z, Boss Hogg, or one of many other monikers, he was a

a devoted father, a cherished spouse, a true patriot, and a steadfast friend who touched the lives of many.

Born on September 27, 1945, in Gary, Indiana, John was the firstborn son of Marie Stachyra and John Zolondz. He was a loving husband to Anita and a proud father to his beloved daughters, Patricia and Julia, one of whom he adored and one of whom he tolerated (Patty).

John graduated from Lew Wallace High School (Go Hornets!) in 1963. Shortly after, he continued his family’s legacy by working at the tin mill at U.S. Steel in Gary. During his career, he served as the Secretary/Treasurer of Union 1066. John utilized his keen organizational skills and proficiency with numbers to help fellow Union members understand and secure their insurance benefits. He retired in 2004.

Those who were fortunate enough to know John were often dazzled by his unwavering kindness. He had an incredible ability to see the good in people and radiated positivity, always seeking peace and harmony in every situation. His friendships were as diverse as the lives he touched, spanning fellow Vietnam veterans, steelworkers, union members, and everyday neighbors who quickly became friends. Anyone who met John became a friend.

In 1964, John’s journey took a new path as he joined the Air Force, where he attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. His time in the service, particularly his deployment in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, left a deep imprint on his heart. He remained committed to assisting other veterans throughout his life, diligently working to help them secure benefits, provide Thanksgiving turkeys, and address any of their needs. John’s spirit shone brightly at the Annual All Veterans Reunion in Kokomo, Indiana, where he loved reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, often sharing a laugh over a challenge coin exchange.

John’s remarkable mathematical skills served him well in his role as treasurer for the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) chapter 285 and the VVA Indiana State Council. He poured his heart into his work with the VVA and the Vietnam Security Police Association, proving that his dedication to his fellow veterans ran deep.

After returning home from his honorable service, John married the love of his life, Anita Wallace, on April 12, 1969, in Caldwell, Idaho, after a serendipitous blind date in Mountain Home.

Family was everything to John. His love for them shone through in the warmth of his daily conversations and in the joy he experienced during family gatherings, especially during the holidays. John’s strong bond with his siblings and his unwavering commitment to his daughters were defining aspects of his life. In retirement, he cherished every moment spent with his family, particularly during winters in Arizona.

He leaves behind a loving family that will forever celebrate his memory, including his spouse Anita, darling pup Daisy, daughters Patricia (Jimenez) and her husband Carl, Julia and her husband Bobby Tyning, his grandchild Trinidad, brother Ted, sisters Margaret (Ford) and Diane (Crofton), and numerous nieces and nephews, including Amy (Ford) Wilson, Alison (Ford) Alcorn, Keli (Zolondz) Best, Stacy (Zolondz) Schaufele, Rick Ford, Brian Ford, and David Kordys.

John’s loyalty and reliability were unmatched; he was the person you could always count on. As a dedicated volunteer, he went above and beyond, embodying strength and character that inspired everyone around him.

He found joy in his service as Outer Sentinel SK John E. Zolondz of Knights of Columbus Council #4047. He was an altar boy as a kid and dedicated himself to St. Joan of Arc in Merrillville in adulthood, where he often excelled in grilling at cook-off fundraisers.

It wasn’t uncommon for John to venture out, perhaps a hundred miles from home, and encounter a familiar face, not just an acquaintance, but a friend. Even if he didn’t meet someone he recognized, he had an uncanny knack for making new friends, often spotting a veteran’s ball cap from across the street and warmly welcoming them home.

A private military honors service will take place at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona, while a series of remembrance events are planned for September 27 in Merrillville, Indiana. These gatherings will include a Catholic memorial mass at Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, followed by a celebration of life at Hidden Lake Event Center, where family and friends can share warm memories of John.

In remembrance of John, memorial donations may be directed to the Air Force Museum Foundation in Dayton, Ohio, which supports the preservation and exhibition of Air Force history, an endeavor dear to his heart.

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