John J. Zayhowski

John J. Zayhowski, 81

Tucson, AZ - John J. Zayhowski, 81, died on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Casa de la Luz Hospice Inpatient Unit in Tucson, Arizona after a brief illness.

Born in Troy, on January 8, 1933, he was the son of the late Peter Zayhowski and Mary Casey Zayhowski and loving husband of 18 years to Tina Zayhowski.

As a young man, John joined the Air Force in 1950. Upon returning to Troy, he worked in the printing business, eventually operating his own company, New Art Printing, in Poestenkill.

For many years he enjoyed flying his Cessna 172 and was fascinated with all aspects of airplanes. He sold his business to Hamilton Printing and continued to work there for several years until he retired to Lake Havasu City, AZ in 1995. In addition to touring most of the country in an RV, John became active in radio-controlled flying groups. In 2003, after relocating to Oro Valley, AZ John became an R/C flight instructor for The Sonoran Desert Flyers, introducing others to his passion for flying.

John was known for his quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and as a character with a capital C.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, Tina, include his three children, Bonnie (Nick) Levchik, Prattville, AL, John (Lien) Zayhowski Jr., Cambridge, MA, David (Susan) Zayhowski, Mt Jackson, VA and stepdaughter, Nancy (Jim) Barbera, Plano, TX; seven grandchildren, Mark, Crysten, Lauren, Zachary, Sarah, Justine and Kimberly; step- grandchildren, Andrew and Alex; five great-grandchildren, Login, Tinsley, Kiyla, Breana and Tannis; his aunt, Mary Zayhowski and numerous cousins. John was predeceased by his sister, Theresa Strom; brother, Edward Finnen and his first wife, Carole, who died in 1984.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 10AM at the DeGraaf-Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 4392NY150 West Sand Lake with Rev. Stephen Cordes, officiating.

Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Poestenkill.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in honor of John J. Zayhowski to the Cancer Research Institute One Exchange Plaza 55 Broadway, Suite 1802 New York, NY 10006.

 Service Information