Obituary of John A Zara, Jr

John “Abie” “Pop-Pop” Zara, Jr. (Azara), 92, passed peacefully on Saturday, February 27, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Born in Trenton, NJ on August 1, 1928, the best dad in the world resided in Yardville for almost 62 years. He was an Army veteran and served during the reconstruction of Germany after World War II. Following his years of service, John was employed by the State of New Jersey for several years before joining McGraw-Hill/Business Week Magazine. He worked as a manager until retiring in 1991. John was an avid sports enthusiast. In his younger years, he played on several baseball and basketball teams throughout Chambersburg, but baseball was his true passion, as he played the sport until age 53. In the mid-70’s he managed Carmen’s J & J baseball teams in the Ewing Lou Gherig League. John and his wife established, sponsored and managed Dot’s Girls, a Mercer County “A” Division women’s team for their daughter Dawn, who shared his love for the sport. Additionally, he was a player and manager of the McGraw-Hill Employee Softball Team. In 2007, John was inducted into the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame in recognition for his years of leadership, dedication, and commitment to the sport. John was the best dad and grandfather and always put his family first. He was known by everyone who met him, or learned to swim in his pool, as “Pop-Pop.” In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards with his family and frequent trips to Atlantic City. Son of the late Giovanni Azara and Catherine Spair; he is predeceased by his wife of 28 years, Dorothy B. Zara and his companion of 21 years, Geraldine “Geri” Ahern; brother of the late Angie & Connie Azara, Mary Frascella, Carmine “Gump” Azara, Fred “Moe” Azara, Michael “Mikey” Azara, Gracie Esposito, Jennie Pfeiffer, and Anthony “Doc” Azara. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Donna & David Hurley of Weeki Wachee, Florida, Dawn & James Romano of Yardville, and John A. & Dorothy E. Zara III of Yardville, with whom he resided; his grandchildren James Romano III, Alyssa Zara, Lauren Romano, and John A. Zara IV; his siblings Josephine Mangiapane, Joseph Zara, Daniel Azara and wife Linda; sister-in-law, Paula Azara; extended family, Vincent DiCanio, Michelle & Walt Apgar of Florida, their children Lauren, Michael, and Matthew Apgar, Kathleen & Avery Huston, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to acknowledge a special thanks to Paula Azara for all her care given to their father throughout his illnesses. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, March 3 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a wake service being held at 7:00 pm at D’Errico Funeral Chapel, 30 Yardville-Allentown Road, Hamilton, NJ 08620, located in the Buklad Merlino Facility. The Funeral will be held on Thursday, March 4 at 10:30 am at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Garden of Peace Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital of Philadelphia or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.