John Zahara
Born In: Sydney
Born: January 31st, 1923
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: August 8th, 2013
It is with heavy and broken hearts that we announce the death of John Zahara, Broadway. He died peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013.
Born in Sydney, Jan. 31, 1923, John was the son of the late Michael and Josephine (Lucas) Zahara. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
John was the son of Ukrainian immigrants and, like many other immigrants who settled the Whitney Pier community, he devoted years of his life to working at the Sydney Steel Plant; in his case 44 years as a supervisor in the blast furnace department.
John lived his whole life in the Pier, and was well known as being naturally gifted in sports. He was scouted by the National Hockey League in his youth and was an avid baseball player and bowler. John also loved to play cards and he and his Lil hosted many enthusiastic tarabish games over the years. In his final years, John spent much of his time tuned in to the hockey and ball games and talking sports with family and friends. His sharp wit and sense of humour kept his spirit young. It was his gift to all who knew him and we will treasure it forever. Above all else, John was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to everyone he met.
Left to mourn this great loss are his sons, Stewart (Barbara) Zahara and Dennis Zahara. Also surviving are his loving grandchildren, Stewart (Patricia), Karen (Will Petrac), Brent (Michelle), Carmie (Jody Harpell), John (Liliana), Cella, Lynn (David Lahey) and Tammy (Craig MacDonald); brother-in-law, Glen (Buddy) Young; as well as many nieces and nephews. A great joy in “Papa John’s” life were his great-grandchildren, Ryan, Ashley, Zachary, Jenna, Troy, Shalyie, Kiauna, Calum, Max and Ana, Kayla and Haley.
Besides his parents, John was predeceased by the love of his life, Lillian (Young) Zahara in 1997 after 57 wonderful years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Mary Ivany, Stella Davis, Annie Marmulak and Katie Zahara and a brother in infancy.
Visitation for the late John Zahara will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to celebrate the life of John Zahara will be held on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, at 11 a.m. in Pier Community Funeral Home, All Faith Chapel with Archdeacon Brenda Drake officiating. Following the service light refreshments will be served in the reception area. Interment will take place in Eastmount Cemetery, Whitney Pier.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to CNIB.
The family would like to thank the VON, home care and his nephew, Mike Marmulak for the special care given to John during his time of need.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.
