Joseph J. Zak

     Mr. Joseph J. Zak, 81, a well-known and respected resident of Wilkes-Barre's North End neighborhood, passed into eternal life peacefully Thursday morning while in the care of Riverstreet Manor, following a recent illness.

     Born on Sunday, October 6, 1940 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the only child to the late Joseph and Anna (Koval) Zak.  He began his education in Wilkes-Barre before attending and graduating from the Benedictine High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where his uncle, Abbot Jerome Koval taught.

     Prior to his formal retirement in 1994, he was employed for thirty-three years as a materials inspector locally for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.  He was also a co-founder of J.D.M. Marketing of Wilkes-Barre.

     Joe was a member of the Parish of Saint Andre Bessette of North Wilkes-Barre.   

     He and his beloved wife, the former Irene R. (Romashko) Zak celebrated fifty-nine years of married life together on January 26th of this year.

     In his spare time, Mr. Zak enjoyed local politics.  He was involved with Unity 99 and was also active with the Polish Union Life Insurance group.  Additionally, he held membership in the North End Slovak Citizens Club.

     Above all else, he is remembered as being a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather to his adoring family.  His presence will be greatly missed by all those he touched in this life.  May he rest now in the peace of the Risen Christ!

     Left to cherish his memory in addition to his wife Irene at home, are the couple's children, Jerome "Jerry" Zak and his wife Linda of Shavertown; Donna Lewis and her husband David of Palmyra; Elizabeth Ciprich and her husband Edward of Plains Township; Grandchildren, including Brittany Zak; Edward Ciprich and his fiancé, Desiray Holena; Nicole Ciprich and Zachary Lewis, as well as several colleagues and dear friends.

     Funeral services for Mr. Zak will be conducted on Sunday with the Liturgy of the Word at 2:30 p.m. at the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street.  The Reverend Deacon Donald J. Crane will serve as celebrant and leader of worship.

     Interment will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

     Relatives and friends may join the Zak family for visitation and shared remembrances Sunday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. until the time of services.

     In lieu of floral tributes, the family would be humbled if those wishing to remember their dad with a monetary donation, kindly give consideration to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.

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