John (Jack) D. Zelinka, age 78, of Ashley, PA, passed away peacefully at home on August 5, 2026. He was born on May 15, 1948 to John Zelinka and Florence (Albosta) Zelinka.
Jack was a graduate of Ashley High School, Class of 1966. After graduation, Jack joined the U.S. Air Force where he served on active duty for four years stationed at Mather Air Force Base, California. His time in the Air Force included a deployment to Vietnam where he was stationed at Da Nang Air Base. After leaving active duty with the Air Force, Jack served for over twenty years with the U.S. Army Reserves 300th Field Hospital. Jack worked at Techneglas as a machinist for over 30 years until it closed in 2004. He was then employed with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources working at Francis Slocum State Park for eight years until fully retiring in 2013.
Following his retirement, he enjoyed the simple things in life-spending time in his garage, relaxing at his campsite, daily visits with friends at local establishments, watching his tomato plants in the summer, checking out flea markets and used book sales and reading many historical military novels. He enjoyed planning annual visits to several NFL pre-season training camps along with visits to historical sites. He attended and enjoyed many Army -Navy games (Go Army!). He was a lifelong New York Jets and Mets fan.
Jack was a long-time member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 274, Ashley, PA where he served as Post Commander for three years. He was also a longtime member of the American Legion Post 673, Ashley, PA as well as Amvets Post 59, Hanover Township, PA and VFW Post 283, Kingston, PA.
Jack was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marie (Gallagher) Zelinka, and his three children, Donna Bealla (Andrew) of Charlotte, NC, Jack Zelinka (Tricia) of Mountain Top, PA and Devon Kuniegel of Mountain Top, PA. He is also survived by his sister, Joan Gilligan, Old Bridge, NJ and his grandchildren, Ryan Zelinka, Carson Bealla, Matthew Kuniegel, Ava Thomas, Lily Kuniegel along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jean Smith, Brick, NJ.
The family is deeply grateful to Sacred Heart Hospice especially Kerri and Barrielynn for the gentle and compassionate care they provided during the last several months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Wounded Warrior Project by visiting their website, or PO BOX 758516, Topeka KS.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church on Tuesday.
Family and friends may call on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services, 59 Parrish St. Wilkes-Barre.
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