John Joseph Zola

On August 24, 2024 at the age of 87, John Joseph Zola passed away peacefully in his home in Ramsey. Born on January 5, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY, to Bortello and Lucy Zola, John often fondly recounted his childhood on Avenue P, where he was raised.

John met the love of his life, Vita, during their childhood. What began as a friendship blossomed into a loving marriage that spanned 61 beautiful years. Together, they moved from Brooklyn to Ramsey, where they built a life and raised their three children: John, Christopher, and Camille.

John was a man who cherished the simple pleasures in life. He was an avid outdoorsman, always eager to share stories of waterskiing adventures, his moose hunting trip with his son, and the joy he found in his extensive gardening. His garden was more than a hobby; it was a testament to his love for nature and his dedication to providing for his family. Tomatoes, leeks, potatoes, radishes, garlic, Swiss chard, and onions were just a few of the bountiful harvests he proudly shared with family and friends.

John’s generosity and kind heart were evident to all who knew him. He delighted in sharing the fruits of his labor, traveling to the homes of family and friends with baskets of fresh produce from his garden. He also loved tinkering in his machine shop and relishing Italian meals surrounded by his beloved family.

A proud businessman, John always wore his Crystal Associates jacket with honor. He found great satisfaction in his work, not just for the success it brought but for the ability to provide for those he loved. His close friendship with Adison Waldeck, with whom he enjoyed pheasant hunting, and his partnership with Gabe Loiacono were sources of joy and camaraderie throughout his life. Their weekly lunch dates, humorously dubbed the ROMEO'S (Retired Old Men Eating Out), were a cherished tradition that brought laughter and companionship.

John is survived by his devoted wife Vita, his children John, Christopher, and Camille, his daughter-in-law Debbie, his son-in-law Ian, and his three granddaughters Damaris, Candace, and Christy. His memory will forever live on in their hearts.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM with a service being conducted at 12:00 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, Ramsey, NJ. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Ramsey Police and Ambulance in John’s honor, a gesture that would have brought him great pride.

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