John Victor Zeok

Born on August 23rd, 1940 in Braddock, PA he is preceded in death by his parents John Zeok, M.D. of Braddock, PA (1946) and Helen Valiska Zeok of Virginia (1976).

John grew up in Braddock, PA and attended North Braddock High School. He was elected class president. He spent summers toiling on his mother’s family farm in Disputanta, Virginia. It was there that John had fatherly guidance from his uncles and learned that farming is physically demanding, strenuous, all-weather, and unending. This realization and the desire to become a physician like his father stoked the flames of his studies.

John attended Waynesburg College from 1958 to 1962 where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. Graduating with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, John excelled at his studies and the little free time he had was spent sharing a meal with his brothers. He was accepted to Jefferson Medical College where he met his wife, Suzanne. After serving in The Army during the Vietnam War as a Major in general surgery he pursued a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Kentucky and stayed on as faculty for 5 years.

John spent the following 26 years in private practice fixing “broken hearts” at WakeMed, Raleigh Community, and Rex Hospitals. John was determined to help as many people as he could, often taking complex and pro-bono cases that were eschewed by others. He was widely known for his affable and reassuring bed-side manner; a comfort to those in some of the most stressful moments of their lives. He was beloved by many of his patients, keeping in touch with several.

Despite his demanding career and business, John was able to make time for his children and their pursuits, buying one of the first cell phones so he could attend soccer and baseball games, swim meets, and ballet recitals despite being on call. John developed a passion for skiing at Jefferson and ensured all of the children could ski, taking regular trips to the mountains. These trips and that family escape are some of the fondest memories for everyone.

John actively supported the Boy Scouts of America and was honored as Physician of the Year for Wake County in 1999. He served as a physician at two National Jamborees attending with his son. He was an assistant scoutmaster and earned his Wood Badge as well.

He loved popular music, playing it whenever he got the chance, and would quiz his children on the way to school about the artist and date.

During his retirement, John was a regular at the gym and his gregarious nature helped him bond with a select few other members who became close friends. However, as his children later learned, he was known for his “coffee curls” more than calisthenics.

John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Suzanne Springer Zeok, and their three children: Suzanne Victoria of Raleigh, Katherine Elizabeth (Kevin Shiplett spouse) of Charlotte, and John Christopher (Toni Wagner spouse) of Vienna, VA and two grandchildren: Harrison John and Alexander Ross. He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Zeok Chudoba of Mechanicsville, VA and a large extended family.

A celebration of life will be held in the future with an initial family visitation at Brown Wynne Funeral home (1701 E. Millbrook Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609) this Monday, November 11th, from 2 to 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in memory of John Zeok to St. Philip Lutheran Church and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (theaftd.org).