John G. Zelina Sr.
John G. Zelina Sr., 81, of Willoughby, Ohio, formerly of Wickliffe, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
John was born August 8, 1941, in Daisytown.
After graduating high school, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1960-64.
Upon returning home, John married the love of his life, Joan Ellen Jacobs, in 1965. They then moved to Wickliffe.
In 1969, John began his career as a police officer with the City of Mayfield Heights, which lasted until 1994, when he retired. With MPD, John served as a commander of the traffic bureau and was promoted to corporal. After his retirement, John worked as a Laketran Bus Driver for 10 years. He loved this job because he started the morning route with a favorite of his: breakfast.
John was active with the Willoughby Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2300, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets and the Marine Corps League, where he could be found enjoying a Miller Lite with his many friends.
John loved his family, and particularly loved messing with his grandchildren, who knew him as “Pop-pop”. No one was safe from his antics. Many of his gifts at holidays were toys like Nerf guns, and he was always quick to turn them on his guests. Sometimes it drove his wife crazy, but John never let go of his inner child.
John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan Ellen Jacobs Zelina; children, John (Maureen) Zelina, and Jim (Cheryl) Zelina; grandchildren, Steven Zelina, John (Taylor) Zelina, Timothy Zelina, Jack Zelina and Phoebe Zelina; and siblings, Paul (Ginny) Zelina, Nancy Shemansky, Bob (Cathy) Zelina, Will (Debbie) Zelina, Sue (Richard) Bins, Ruthie (Paul) Wainwright, Larry Zelina; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Ruth Wyse Zelina; and siblings, Jeannette Duricic Parks, Marion Sayre and Andrew Zelina.
A celebration of life / memorial service will take place Saturday, May 6, at the Willoughby Eagles Club.