90, Whitney Pier
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, 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
So very sorry for your loss. I know the family will miss John greatly. He was always very kind to my family and always sent best wishes to us. We are so glad that we got to see him when we were home in 2011. May God rest his soul.
From; Treena (Morrison), Danny and Monica
Please except condolences from our house to yours. John had a wonderful sense of humour. What a wonderful smile.
From: Mabel & John
To Stewart and the entire Zahara family I want to send my deepest condolences on your loss. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
From: Derrick Nearing
Our deepest condolences to the Zahara Family on the loss of such a wonderful man.He will be missed by all who knew him, May he Rest In Peace.
From: John & Debbie Currie
Stewart and family, Sorry to hear of your dads passing.I know you will keep his memories close to your heart.May he rest in peace.
From: Paul Leblanc
To the Zahara family, My deepest sympathy in your time of loss. Sending prayers to you all during this difficult time.
From: Allison Smith
Stewart, Dennis & Families, Please accept our condolences on the passing of your father.
From: Chuck &Pat Drohan
To Stu & Dennis, Sorry to hear of your fathers passing our prayer are with you.
Stan & Marie Margettie
Stu Barbra and Family, I am sorry for your loss I know how much "Papa John" meant to everyone. May you find peace in remembering the legacy he left.
Best Regards; Michelle XOXO
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Father.
From: Rowe, Sally and Derek Rudderham
Stewart Zahara and Family, My condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and your family. May he rest in peace.
From: Erin O’Brien, Parking Officer – Regional Hospital