John Richard Zubek

John Richard Zubek

1947 - 2026

John Richard Zubek, 79, of Nesquehoning, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026 in St. Luke's Carbon Campus, Franklin Township. He was the husband of Ilona (Thear) Zubek, whom he shared 51 years of marriage this past December.

Born Feb. 24, 1947 in Coaldale, John was a son of the late John E. and Helen (Banik) Zubek of Lansford.

John grew up in Lansford and was from the last graduating class of Lansford High School in 1964. During his high school career, he was a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams.

John graduated from Bloomsburg University, where he majored in education; and went on to complete his master's equivalency at Bloomsburg and Penn State University.

On Dec. 28, 1974, John married Ilona in a wedding ceremony at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Nesquehoning. Since then, the two have shared countless passions and made a lifetime of memories.

He honed his teaching skills and taught at Williams Valley High School in the areas of computer science and business education until retiring.

John enjoyed his golfing adventures; trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; summers at Lake Hauto beach; and cheering on the Penn State football and wrestling teams each season as a season ticket holder to both sports. Most importantly, John cherished the times spent with his family and friends.

He was a member of St. Michael's Church in Lansford until its closing; then St. Katharine Drexel and was a current member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley in Summit Hill. He also attended St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Nesquehoning on several occasions with his wife throughout the years.

In addition to his wife, Ilona, John is survived by his brother, Joe and his wife Mary of Summit Hill; a nephew, Andrew Thear; nieces, Tanya Hood and her husband Nick, and Amy Miller and her husband Bob and their children, Logan and Jordan; and several special cousins.

Services: Private, at the convenience of the family. Interment will be held in St. John Orthodox Cemetery, Nesquehoning. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's name may be made to either St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill, PA 18250; or St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 9 W. Railroad St., Nesquehoning, PA 18240. Blazosky Funeral Home has been entrusted with John's final care. Online condolences may be shared at www.blazoskyfh.com.

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