JOHN R. “JACK” ZELLER, beloved husband for 58 years of Patricia; loving father of M. Rita Valois of Philadelphia, PA, Maureen Coerdt (Thomas) of Novi, MI, and John; proud grandfather of Brigette Valois and Kathleen Coerdt; son of the late Rudolph and Mary (nee Conway); dear brother of the late James (Kathleen), Mary, Donald (Susan, deceased), Patrick, Kathleen O’Connor (John), Kevin and Margaret; and loving brother-in-law of Bonnie King; dear uncle, great uncle and cousin of many. Jack recently passed away after a courageous 16 year battle with cancer. He received engineering degrees from the University of Notre Dame. Jack spent 20 years as an engineer for NASA working on designing jet engine controls. He retired to pursue his passion, teaching at Cleveland State University for many years while providing private consulting services in electrical control systems to many companies. Jack was a great story teller who loved spending time with his family and friends, bicycling, his garden and the Cleveland Indians. He was a generous, kind and hardworking man who will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 15500 S. Waterloo Road, Cleveland, OH 44110.
Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 10 AM at Communion of Saints Parish at St. Ann Catholic Church 2175 Coventry Road, Cleveland, OH 44118. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of John at THE CHURCH SATURDAY MORNING 9-10 AM. Arrangements by THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.
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Walt Merrill
My condolences to the entire family. Jack was my first supervisor at NASA and I will never forget the guidance he gave me. He was also a good friend and I admired his courage and purpose in life. His peace be with you.
Jim Soeder
Jack was my first supervisor when I came to work as NASA. I worked for him for 10 years and he was the best manager I ever had. For me he represented that great engineering and management culture that was NASA in 1970’s. As an engineer, he was the best one I ever worked with and he taught me many great lessons that I have used throughout my career. My sympathies and prayers are with his family and all who knew him. He was a man of great caring, integrity, as well as and outstanding mentor and role model. He will be greatly missed by all.
Maureen MacIntyre
Pat and Family,
I was deeply saddened to read about Jack’s passing. I am certain that he’s been very stoic throughout this difficult time, as have you, Pat, during the course of his illness. I am storming the heavens with prayers for you and your family. You are in my thoughts today and always.
Much love and with deepest condolences,
Maureen MacIntyre
Christopher Maduri
Jack lived an admirable life indeed. He was a major contributor in many ways. Thoughts go out to his family and dear friends at this time. May they all cherish his memory and learn from his good example as they await a promise of reunion as written at Revelation 21:3, 4.
Christopher Maduri
Aurora
Sr. Rosemary Koesel, SND
Dear Pat,
My heart breaks for you! Reading about Jack’s beautiful character and all the good he did (and knowing how much the two of you are so much alike in those ways) I can only begin to imagine your feelings of loss. Know my heart and prayers are with you and with your family.
Sister Rosemary
Lee Gordon
I am sorry for your loss. Even from my brief visit, I could feel the closeness and devotion he had for your family.May his spirit live on in your hearts as you move forward with your lives.
The Abou-Ghalioum Family
We are sorry for your loss. It is with sadness in our hearts that we received the news of Jack’s passing. Our thought ad prayers are with you at your time of grief.
I have known Jack as a fellow colleague and mentor for over twenty five years as a faculty at CSU. His dedication to teaching and students was an example every teacher should follow.
Colleen Conway Cooney
Dear Pat and Zeller cousins,
My heart breaks for you at this sad news. You are in my thoughts and prayers. In Jim Conway tradition, know that Jack was “my favorite cousin Jack”! We all will miss him.
Your loving cousin, Colleen Conway Cooney
Jim Eggers
Traveled many times from Cleveland to ND with Jack
May he RIP
JIM Eggers M.D. ’57
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Ronald Kasaback
Sorry to hear my ex roommate died. We had many good memories of our younger years, but, unfortunately, we never got together later as we had hoped. Perhaps we’ll meet in the beyond.