John P. Zajaros

John P. Zajaros, 68 of Mercer, and formerly of Cleveland, OH, passed away at his home on the afternoon of May 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on April 21, 1955 in Trenton, New Jersey; a son of Margaret Forstner and John Zajaros. He graduated from Bay Village High School in Ohio, class of 1973. On July 5, 1984, John married Connie Clark. The two shared 38 wonderful years of marriage, and had three daughters together. A proud Veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict, John was enlisted in the Special Forces unit. While at base, John was injured in a helicopter accident. He then largely advocated for Disabled American Veterans. John studied Physical Anthropology, History, and Anatomy & Physiology at Case Western Reserve University on a full ride scholarship, where he was also a member of the University’s football team. He went on to become a Doctor of Physical Anthropology, earning his PhD degree from Cleveland State University, and continued his education at Columbia University. Mr. Zajaros leaves behind an incredible legacy of intelligence, and is said to have taken iQ tests and achieved unscalable results. Known by his students as Professor John Zajaros, he taught Anatomy & Physiology and History at New York University for several years, beginning in the mid 90’s. He devoted his work entirely to his students, ensuring the success of each of them. Additionally, he worked for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He studied and built display exhibits in their most accurate forms for the public to enjoy, having built skeletons of dinosaurs and more from head to toe. Remembered fondly for his love of learning and especially teaching, John started his own tutoring business, named “West Side Tutoring Company”. There, Mr. Zajaros worked closely with students who had ADHD and other learning disabilities to prepare them for standardized exams and entry into higher education. While a very devoted professor, advocate, and mentor, John never missed his daughters’ soccer games. A father of three girls, he always enjoyed coaching their soccer, basketball, and softball teams. He relished raising his family and spending time with them more than anything. John loved his collection of Stephen King novels. His children recall Dad reading Lord of the Rings books to them as children, and recently continued that tradition with his grandchildren. John also loved the outdoors, and walking his beloved dogs. He and his wife absolutely loved music and going to concerts together. John is survived by his loving wife, Connie Zajaros; daughters, Allison (Chris) Adam’s, Kayleigh (Brian) Stewart, and Emily Zajaros (fiancé Kyle Robinson); and eleven grandchildren. Preceding John in death are his son, John “Jackie” Patrick Zajaros, Jr.; as well as his two beloved dogs, Summer and Tuff Guy. Services are private. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the Disabled American Veterans organization by visiting secure.dav.org online.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose Simplicity Cremation & Funeral Center, Inc., 200 S. Erie Street, Mercer, PA 16137.

Services
200 S. Erie Street
Mercer,Pennsylvania 16137
United States