John J. Zuba, Sr., 92, a longtime resident of Hartland, VT, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, in Claremont, NH. Zuba was born July 25, 1923 in Chilicarthe, OH, the son of John and Petronilla (Czajka) Zuba. He graduated from Sewanhaka High School and married Helen Filaski on Sept. 6, 1942, in Floral Park.
Zuba was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from January of 1943 until November of 1945 stationed in Normandy, serving under General Bradley of 1st Armored Division, and later under General Patton of 3rd Armored Division, during World II where he received the American Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to Long Island.
The Zubas moved to Hartland in 1953 where John owned and operated Linwood Electrical Company for several years. He enlisted with the U.S. Army Reserves in 1966 and served until 1986. He most recently was employed in facility maintenance at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in White River Jct. until his retirement. Upon retiring he was employed by First Student Bus Company from 2003 until 2012 and drove school bus for the Norwich, Hartland and Windsor School Districts until the age of 87.
He was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) where he served as past post commander and past state commander and the American Legion Post and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), all in White River Jct. He was fond of fishing, boating and traveling to Maine. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
He was predeceased by his parents, and two brothers, Edward and Henry.
Survivors include, his loving wife of 73 years, Helen of Hartland; two sons, John J. Zuba, Jr. and his wife, Jeannie of Hartland and Thomas G. Zuba and his wife, Nancy of Bridgewater, VT; four grandchildren, Nicole Zuba, Jennifer Carroll, Justine Zuba and Angie Morand; four great-grandchildren, Thomas P. Carroll, Matthew Carlson, Ashley Carroll and Iris Morand; several nieces and nephews, including Kenneth Zuba and his wife, Pepper, of Plymouth, VT, Charles Zuba and his wife, Sally, of Floral Park, and Peggy Fairfield and her husband, Ross, of France.
A memorial service was held at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT. The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor assisted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
