John Zakian's Obituary
John F. Zakian
Passed away peacefully on February 25, 2013. Born in Newark, NJ, John was 81 years old. John was the son of Oscar and Victoria Zakian of Staten Island, NY. He was a resident of Willingboro for the last 47 years. John Zakian enlisted and served with honors in the Marine Corps in 1947. He served with distinction in all of his assignments and was recommended to become an officer in 1966. John served in Morocco, North Africa in 1960 and was awarded the "Navy Marine Corps Medal" which is the highest award for heroism during peacetime. As a "Marine Mustang" he rose to the rank of Captain before retiring 1970. After retiring from the Marines, he joined the New Jersey Capitol Police. He was attached to the Division of Law and Public Safety. He retired from the State in 1992. Marine Zakian was very active in the Burlington County Detachment #695 of the Marine Corps League. John's activities included Department Commandant, Department Marine of Year and most proud of being Honorary Past Commandant of NJ. His involvement with civic organization translates to his being an excellent citizen as well as an outstanding Marine. He took great pride in being a Marine Mustang and belongs to V.F.W., Second Marine, Division, NJ Sheriffs Assoc., NJ Fraternal Order of Police, American Legion, USS Missouri Assoc., Retired Officers Assoc., National Rifle Assoc., Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Navy Memorial Foundation and NJ Retired Police and Fireman's Assoc. Beloved husband of 59 years to Anne Marie (née Healy). Loving father of Joanne Marie Scanlon, John Francis Jr., Catherine Elizabeth Reynolds, Jane Frances Bankovich (John), the late James Gregory (Michele) and Christine Ellen Zakian (Ron Dubas). Loving grandfather of William (Jamie), Jamie Sue, Joseph (Nancy), Robert, James, Lindsey, Alex, Michael, Caryn and Matthew and great grandfather of Alayna, Liam and Sebastian. Brother of Lucy Mazelis, Charles Zakian, Victoria Celio and the late Jack Zakian. Relatives and friends are invited to attend John's Life Celebration and Viewing Thursday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and Friday 9-10 a.m. at Snover/Givnish of Cinnaminson 1200 Route 130 North. His Funeral Mass will follow 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, Willingboro, NJ. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow at NJ Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marine Corps League Auxiliary Scholarship Fund 109 Manor Lane Willingboro, NJ 08046 and/or Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org
To share your condolences and your fondest memories of John, please visit www.snovergivnish.com
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?