John W. Zellars
Died: May 11, 2016
John was currently employed by the Home Depot in Mansfield Twp. as the night supervisor. Many years ago, he was the owner of the Hackettstown Gulf Gas Station on Main Street. In addition to his employment, John was an active member of the Cataract Hose Fire Department in Hackettstown and served as the town fire marshal for many years. John proudly served our country in the United States Army having fought in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969.
Mr. Zellars is survived by his mother, Mary Gardner Zellars of Hackettstown. Two sons, Scott Zellars and his wife, Christine of Andover, NJ and Shawn Zellars and his wife, Glenda of Hackettstown, NJ. One brother, Charles Zellars, Sr. of Florida and one sister, Maryann Crawn of North Carolina. In addition, John is survived by five loving Grandchildren, Troy, Todd, Ashley, Austin and Abigail.
Viewing hours will take place on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 5 pm– 8pm at the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840. A Funeral Service will take place Monday, May 16, 2016 at 7:30 pm with Pastor Ninabeth Metcalf at Cochran Funeral Home and also a Funeral Services will be Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 11:00 am at Cochran Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Union Cemetery, Hackettstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hackettstown Fire Department or the Wounded Warriors Project. Online condolences may be given to the family at www.cochranfuneral.com.
Condolences:
Jim and Teri Crane
#50
May 18th, 2016 12:40 pm
Sean, Scott and the Zellars family. Our deepest sympathies. We loved having John as our neighbor and missed him when we moved. You are all in our prayers.
Lisa Lesoine
#49
May 17th, 2016 9:46 pm
Time will not allow us to distance our memory to one great man.. Tears of sadness and sorrow to John's family and friends.
Sherry Deiter
#48
May 17th, 2016 1:41 pm
To the Zellars Family, I am so sorry for you loss. John was an awesome friend and an all around special person. His infectious laugh brightened up my day. Even though we no longer worked together we still kept in touch. I always looked forward to talking to him on the phone or going out to lunch with him. He was like a father to me and I will never forget him.
God looked around his garden and saw an empty place.
He then looked around upon this earth and saw his smiling face.
He put his arms around him and lifted him to his place.
His garden must be absolutely beautiful, because he only takes the best.
I am so sorry that I couldn't say goodbye to you, but you knew how much I loved you. RIP John, you will be missed more than words can say.
Gail Mannion
#47
May 17th, 2016 8:16 am
I met John Z at a very difficult time in my life. I had lost all faith in myself and was completely broken. For some reason this kind man cared about me. His kind and encouraging words made me start to believe in myself again. I never got the chance to tell him what an impact he had on me and how he changed my life for the better and how he made me smile even at my saddest. Thank you John. There is one less angel on earth. You will be missed by all.
My prayers and thoughts are with the entire Zellers family.
Bob & Vicky Hing
#46
May 16th, 2016 6:38 pm
Zellars family please accept our sympathy on the passing of John. He was a wonderful person, always funny. Thank you John for your service to our country. May God bless and keep you.
Gail Mannion
#45
May 16th, 2016 3:54 pm
To the Zellers family I want to offer my deepest condolences . John was a kind and gentle soul. Truly one of a kind. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Eric Howell
#44
May 16th, 2016 1:49 pm
To the Zellars family, my deepest condolences and prayers to you. One of the finest men I had the privilege to work with and the best manager I have ever worked under. great man, great sense of humor and someone who appreciated those who put in an honest days work. RIP John.
Maryann Abromitis McFadden
#43
May 16th, 2016 12:34 pm
My sincere sympathy to your family. I saw John all the time, as we were neighbors. And of course I've known him for years. What a great guy. He will be missed.
Alan M Hubbard
#42
May 16th, 2016 10:05 am
Dear Zellars Family, My condolences on the recent passing of John.
I enjoyed working with John on the smoke detectors inspections for many years ! I will miss him at the Diner
breakfast !
Ray & Lisa Mclaughlin
#41
May 16th, 2016 7:50 am
our condolences to the entrire Zellars family, John will be deeply missed, he was always there when someone needed a helping hand, we will all miss him
Matthew Lynch
#40
May 16th, 2016 7:06 am
John's quiet presence at town events or neighborhood gatherings always put me at ease. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends. A heavenly place awaits a hero.
Michael Gibbs
#39
May 15th, 2016 8:36 pm
My sincere condolences to the Zellars family. It was a great shock to hear of the passing of John. I have many good memories of him from hanging out at the Gulf station in my younger years to the fire department. John was person that I respected as a member and as a Chief in the department. RIP John and your memories will live on.
Terry & Andrea Byrne
#38
May 15th, 2016 8:34 pm
To the Entire Zellar's family, our deepest sympathies. I remember Buddy, as kinda the "big brother" on the block, as Charley's big brother, growing up on Liberty St., and then at the Gulf Station. God speed, and rest in peace.
Mike Riedinger
#37
May 15th, 2016 8:32 pm
John was a good friend We grew up on Franklin St, What a sad time He was well liked by all Our deepest prayers and condolences to his family.RIP John God Bless.
David and Michele McClain
#36
May 15th, 2016 4:15 pm
The word friend doesn't do justice to how we felt about John. He was family for so many years. He will be missed in both of our lives. Till we all meet again may you rest in peace! We love you John and miss you!! We offer our condolences and deepest prayers to the Zellars family!
Karen (Cunningham) Arnold
#35
May 14th, 2016 7:34 pm
Deepest condolences to the Zellars family. John was a "townie", obviously well respected and loved by all who knew him. May your wonderful memories of him help you through this difficult time.
Bill & Donna Welsh
#34
May 14th, 2016 3:01 pm
Our hearts saddened with the news of Johns passing! We will miss his fun ways as we always met for all the Fire Depts. breakfast! R.I.P. Brother! We got it from here. God Bless his family!
Gary & Diana
#33
May 14th, 2016 12:05 pm
John,we loved you.you are in our prayS..when i started in millwork you took the time to teach me.you are a good friend.you have point now lock and load we will regroup.i pray i will see you again.
Mike and Hazel Lynch, Tupper Lake, New York
#32
May 14th, 2016 10:13 am
As the years pass it becomes increasingly more difficult to learn of the passing of old friends. We are saddened about this latest loss, but hope that the outpouring of sympathy and respect for John helps his family and friends through this difficult time. John was a fine man and a credit to the community he loved and served for so long. We should stop for a moment and smile, because that is the memory we all have of John.
Eric Vanderhoof
#31
May 13th, 2016 9:13 pm
I worked with John at The Home Depot many years ago. John was always a great guy and a good man. So sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for John's family, friends, and coworkers.
Roni and Bill Skinner
#30
May 13th, 2016 7:07 pm
Our Sincere Condolences to the entire Zellars Family. We remember and appreciate everything John did for the town and his friends. He always had a smile as well as a hello. He was one of the most sincere people you could ever meet. He had a dry sense that always cracked us up. Everyone who knew him will miss him. We are all better people for knowing him. Rest peacefully my friend!
3512
Gregory Crawford
#29
May 13th, 2016 6:45 pm
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Zellars family and all of his friends. I am deeply saddened to hear that John has passed. He was a wonderful co-worker during my time spent working at Home Depot. He was a good man and I enjoyed talking with him anytime I saw him at the Hackettstown store. You will be missed John Zellars. Rest in Peace and Thank You for your service defending our country.
Jim & Tracy Tynan
#28
May 13th, 2016 6:15 pm
Scott and family - we are sorry to hear about your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Arlene Bailey
#27
May 13th, 2016 1:58 pm
Such a shock to lose a great friend so suddenly, that I knew since he was very young .Such a warm ,caring gentleman ,loved by many .Rest in Peace dear friend ....I will miss you !!! Condolences & Peace to the Zellars family ...
Linda Lou and Bob Doyle St. Agatha ,Maine
#26
May 13th, 2016 1:23 pm
Our deepest sympathy to the Zellars family at this sad time. I have known John for many years. He was a kind,gentle, and giving man. It was a true honor to have him as a friend. John, you will be missed. R.I.P. Linda Lou Kline Doyle and Bob Doyle
Tracy Roberts, Kyle & Matthew
#25
May 13th, 2016 12:34 pm
My sympathy goes out to John's family. He was one of the best people that I have ever known. He helped me and my kids countless times and never ever wanted anything back in return. He was not just a co-worker, he is family, he is a friend. I will miss him more than I can say. Love you John. Rest in Peace - you were one of a kind!!!
Tom and Trix Lynar
#24
May 13th, 2016 12:31 pm
RIP John. Our heart felt condolences go out to thr Zellers Family.
Chick Dimiceli
#23
May 13th, 2016 12:00 pm
My deepest sympathy to the Zellars family.Knew John his whole life.He was part of the old Hackettstown.He was a good man. He will be missed.
Greg Bailey
#22
May 13th, 2016 9:43 am
My thoughts and prayers to the entire Zellars family. I have known John since were kids, and can't believe he is gone. You are in Gods hands now, Rest in Peace.....
John G. Hauck
#21
May 13th, 2016 8:49 am
I was a member of that "4 AM" crew at the Depot back in 2008. John recognized that I was going through a tough time and did all he could to make my life easier (one does not choose to get up at 2:30 AM to go stock shelves at Home Depot at 55 years old!). I was most appreciative of his kindness and often told him so. We went on to become great pals and I treasured all our road trips. I think he took great delight in watching my life and situation improve. I will never forget his kindness, nor his friendship. Rest in Peace, Dear Friend; I have it on excellent authority that there are no concrete floors in Heaven...
Joe and Janet Lake
#20
May 13th, 2016 8:47 am
We are not really able to believe John is gone yet. I can only imagine how his family feels. John found it hard to show his real feelings sometimes, and he hated having his picture taken! He loved his family and the fire company. John, may the Lord bless you and keep you in His care. Rest in Peace.
Susan Selander
#19
May 13th, 2016 8:44 am
My heart goes out to the Zellars family. I was saddened to learn of John's passing. You take for granted someone will always be there. For more than 20 years I knew him as part of my Home Depot family. I can't imagine visiting the store and not seeing him there. He was always kind, supportive and will be greatly missed.
Fred W Janusz
#18
May 13th, 2016 8:16 am
To Mrs Zellars and family We are deeply sorry for your loss.JOHN maybe be gone but never forgotten. Thank GOD for all of the fond memories. YOU ALL ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I WILL MISS HIM DEEPLY, ESPECIALLY when I came to work, JOHN would say HEY OLD MAN HOW IS FRED DOING TODAY ? MAY YOU RIP
Kenneth Dell
#17
May 13th, 2016 7:43 am
John was a exceptional man. I have known him for 23 years working with at the Depot. He would always be there for you in troubled times and others he would help with out even expecting anything in return. Every weekend I would see him in the morning at the store hanging around talking with everyone. He will truly missed and never forgoten.
Bob ( Moose ) Kunkel
#16
May 13th, 2016 6:56 am
Yesterday I learned of the passing of a great man whom I had the pleasure of graduating high school, was a brother firefighter and also worked for him in the gas station he owned. Tho this all was 30 + years ago I still have the memories of the great times we and others had knowing John Zellars. Prayers go out to his family friends and co- workers. God Bless ya buddy
Teri Cichlar
#15
May 13th, 2016 6:33 am
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Zellars family. May you find comfort in knowing that he was a very well respected gentleman and will be missed by everyone who knew him. I know I will miss seeing him in the neighborhood. He always had a wave and a smile. Rest easy, John.
Nancy Zink
#14
May 12th, 2016 10:23 pm
To John's family
I am so sorry to hear about my good friend John. I saw John every morning at 4am at the Home Depot. Besides being such a great boss, he was a good and caring friend and took such good care of my daughter, Tracy, and her boys. We will never forget this wonderful, one of a kind friend. He is in a much better place and finally can rest in peace.
Love you John, I will always remember you as the best boss I have ever had and much more as a great friend.
Kevin and Debora Wyker
#13
May 12th, 2016 8:38 pm
We are so sorry to the Zellar Family for the sudden loss of John, he was
such a nice man, He will be missed,
karin schardt
#12
May 12th, 2016 8:06 pm
How very sad to hear of John's passing. My condolences to the Zellar family on your loss.
John's Home Depot Family
#11
May 12th, 2016 7:58 pm
To the Zellars family, From all of us at Home Depot.
We are so sorry for your loss.
We are all so devastated right now.
John was a great man . He will be missed.
Joy and Les Snyder
#10
May 12th, 2016 6:59 pm
Our Sincere Sympathy on the loss of our dear friend and Les's fellow fireman. It is a very sad time. The entire Zellars family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Joy and Les Snyder
Christine Cassidy
#9
May 12th, 2016 6:03 pm
My deepest sympathy and prayers to John's family at this time of loss. Words cannot express my sorrow, as he was a true friend and I hope that you can find comfort knowing that he is in the Lords's hands.
Becky Gliganic
#8
May 12th, 2016 5:55 pm
With deepest sympathy to the family of John Zellars. No words could express the loss we feel. We were lucky to have John as part of our Home Depot family. May he rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to the family at this most difficult time.
Rocky Hadzovic
#7
May 12th, 2016 3:39 pm
Rest in Peace my friend, I will always remember you!
Linda DeJonge Tynan
#6
May 12th, 2016 3:11 pm
I was shocked and saddened to hear of John's passing. We worked together many years ago and he was always a fun, upbeat guy to be around. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Timothy Wallace
#5
May 12th, 2016 2:16 pm
I am deeply saddened to read of John's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, both with his filling station and working around Williams & Hibler. His service not only in the military but also lifelong in our town will always be remembered and appreciated by those who knew him.
Tim Wallace, Asheville, NC
Paul & Robin Wallace Grand Terrace, California
#4
May 12th, 2016 2:11 pm
Oh my how does one express the sympathy due for such a man a John?
My Wife Robin and I were stunned to hear of John's passing, and to you Mrs. Zellars, Charley, Scott and Shawn I can only pray the LORD'S comfort on you in this time of mourning.
John was more then a friend, and I remember the great times we had on Saturday Afternoon eating Tuna Sandwiches at Mrs. Zellars house after work and just talking away.
John was a credit to His Country, and His Town, and believe me will be missed!
I wish we could be there to lend a shoulder to lean on, and a hug.
May the LORD Bless you and Keep you.
Love to you all
Paul & Robin Wallace
David Tynan Sr
#3
May 12th, 2016 2:10 pm
Zellars Family,
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your loved one. He was a true friend that I will miss dearly. RIP John !!!
Jim & Jenney Bencivengo
#2
May 12th, 2016 1:19 pm
We Offer Our Deepest Prayers And Condolences To John'S family. He Will Be Missed by all who Knew him.
Jim & Jenney Bencivengo
#1
May 12th, 2016 1:17 pm
To The Zellars Family We Offer Our Deepest Prayers Condolences. I have Known John Since our Childhood days. He Will Be Sorely Missed BY All.
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