John Dennis Zarnosky

John Dennis Zarnosky, of Woodbury, NJ, passed away on November 29th, 2024, at the age of 72. 

Born to the late John and Irene (nee Kovaleski) Zarnosky on February 4th, 1952, in Columbia, PA, John is cherished nephew of Loretta Kovaleski. Growing up, John attended Highland Regional High School as a member of the graduating class of 1970. A few short years later, John met the love of his life, Kathleen (nee Massaro). Kathleen fondly remembers how charming and charismatic John was during their first meeting, qualities that would continue to win her heart. The pair quickly became inseparable, and John and Kathleen married on August 23rd, 1980, in New York, spending a loving 44 years together. As a couple they enjoyed spending quality time together, going out to dinner, traveling, and they had a deep love for each other. 

John and Kathleen had so much love between them, they shared it by welcoming their four beloved children into the world, Laurel (Jon) Zarnosky, Christopher Zarnosky, Clint Zarnosky, and Craig Zarnosky. As a family, they traveled to Mystic Seaport, Niagara Falls, and spent many summers in upstate New York at their family home in the 1000 Islands. John loved being a dad, and he dedicated his fatherhood to shaping his boys into proud men, the same way his father did for him, and his daughter into a strong, independent woman. His children reflect on their memories with their dad, noting how patient he was with them, and how he was always ready to help them in any way they needed. John was heavily involved in his children's lives: he coached wrestling, baseball and softball in Woodbury and made every effort to attend every extra-curricular school activity they were involved in. 

John's world became even brighter when he became the beloved grandfather of Bryce, Natalie, and Bella. John loved when he could spend time with the little ones. He would play catch with Bryce and complete puzzles at the kitchen table with the girls. John always did his best to make his grandkids laugh and feel loved. 

When John was not spending time with his family, he could be found out on the boat fishing on the St. Lawrence River, completing home renovation projects around the house, or listening to classic rock music. 

After college, John became a proud member of the National Guard. He then worked within the marine industry, first becoming a diver for pollution cleanup in the 1970s, and then a skilled salvage worker. He retired from Ellsworth Salvage after 34 years. John genuinely loved his work. His family proudly remembers how he said he never worked a day in his life, because he truly loved what he did. 

John is very deeply missed, and will always be remembered fondly for his dynamic, thoughtful and kind personality, and his neverending love for his family. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s honor to: 

Save the River

409 Riverside Dr

Clayton, NY 13624

A private Celebration of Life will be held this summer on the St. Lawrence River.