Name: John “Smiley” Zias Age: 98
Address: Black Lick, PA
went into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Indiana Regional Medical Center, Indiana, PA
Born: February 10, 1923 in Tide, PA
Father: Frank T. Zias
Mother: Martha (Gresko) Zias
Work, Clubs & Organizations: John joined the Navy in 1943 after hearing a fellow recruit say “Why walk when you can ride”. He proudly served 4 years in active duty during WW II. John retired from Tunnelton Mining in 1985 where he worked as a pumper, a mechanic and a shuttle car driver. John loved gardening tomatoes and cucumbers on “Gardner Alley”, spending hours turning leaves into his soil to produce a hearty crop. His most favorite place was “Porchville”, where he enjoyed the breeze of the day and the love of a little Chihuahua girl named Peanut that loved him dearly and protected him fiercely to his utter joy!
Survivors
Daughter – Martha O’Neil (Monty Graham), Rochester Mills, PA
Daughter – Sondra Zias, Blairsville, PA
Son – John Zias (Deb), Blairsville, PA
Daughter – Pamela Ickes (Lee), Champion, PA
Grandchildren – James O’Neil (Robin), David O’Neil and Aaron O’Neil (Kaela)
5 Great Grandchildren – Isabella, Aiden, Melody, Kali & Orion
Sister – Katherine Zias Roof, Clymer, PA
Preceded in death by
Father – Frank T. Zias
Mother – Martha (Gresko) Zias
Wife of 63 years – Gladys Winifred (Feldbusch) Zias, who would serenade him with “You are my sunshine”
Siblings – Rose, Steve, Ann, Mary, Mike, Pete & Harry
Visitation:
James F. Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc., 25 W. Market St. Blairsville, PA 15717 on Sunday, May 16, 2021 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM.
Funeral:
James F. Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc., on Monday, May 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Mark Heckman will officiate. VFW Post #5821 & the American Legion Post #0407 will conduct graveside military services. Masks are required in the Funeral Home.
Interment: Blairsville Cemetery
Blairsville, Pennsylvania
