John T. Zay

August 6, 1947 – April 11, 2025

John Timothy Zay, known by all as Jack, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio—the city where he was born and spent his life. He was 77.

At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his wife of 55 years, Angela Buto Zay, his daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Zay, and his son-in-law, Raul Soto. He is also survived by his sister, Luanne Springhart, his brother, Timothy Zay (Denise), and many beloved nieces and nephews. His final days were filled with love, laughter, and good tunes—just the way he would have wanted.

He retired from Ford Motor Company in 2011 after more than 30 years of dedicated work. Jack was a lifelong tinkerer and problem-solver, and proudly invented and patented the Ready to Roll, a coin counter. For many years he served his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Columbia Station, Ohio. After retirement, he found joy working as a ranger at Royal Crest Golf Club, where he shared a joke with just about everyone he met.

Jack was a natural storyteller, known for his tales that—according to him—only got better each time he told them. In recent years, he was rarely seen without one of his signature pork pie hats and a good cigar in hand.

Whenever he opened a fortune cookie, he’d pretend it read: “As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters point away from you.” That humor, wisdom, and warmth defined the way Jack moved through the world—and the way he’ll be remembered.

Family and friends are welcome for a Celebration of Jack’s Life on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at The Gathering Center at A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home, 18149 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts., Ohio 44130. The gathering will begin at 1 p.m., with a memorial service at 2 p.m., followed by a light lunch.