John A. Zemalkowski

 John Anthony Zemalkowski, 89, of Hazlet, New Jersey, passed away on October 7, 2020. John was born July 28, 1931 in Shanghai, China to Vincent and Valentino Zemalkowski while his father was aboard the Navy ship, U.S.S. Guam. 

 John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Zemalkowski, two children, Sherree Patterson and John Zemalkowski, Jr., as well as his sister, Mary, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. John will be joining his parents, Vincent and Valentino, his daughter Terree, and siblings, Vincent, Lucy, Veronika and Dorothy in heaven.

 John served honorably in the United States Army. For his bravery in Germany, Korea and Vietnam, John received a Bronze Star Medal, among other awards. After achieving the rank of Major, he retired from the Army in February of 1969.

 Upon retiring from the Army, John became a member and Past Commander of the American Legion Post 338. He also belonged to the Middletown Elks 2179 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4303 where he participated in annual fishing trips with fellow veterans. John was known for his green thumb and loved gardening and raising orchids in his greenhouse. John's final wish was to spend eternity among his plants and flowers, so his ashes will be spread in his beloved garden at a later date.

 Those who wish to celebrate John's life may consider a donation in his name to Hazlet First Aid at http://www.hazletfirstaid.org/donate.html  or the Hazlet Police Department