John Joseph Zilliox

Jack was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, the son of Raymond and Marguerite (Donohue). He graduated from South Park High School ('46) and Buffalo State Technical Institute ('52), and served as a member of the US Coast Guard. He worked as an optician at the family business until Zilliox Optical was sold in 1969. Jack became a recognized authority in contact lens design, working in various capacities for Precision Cosmet Co. in Kansas City, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. After retiring, Jack and his wife, Joan, moved to Williamsburg in 1994.

Joan Mullenhoff was the love of Jack's life, and his wife from 1956 until his death. He was ever a devoted husband, saying that marrying Joan was the smartest thing that he ever did. Jack’s dedication and deep loyalty also extended to his Catholic faith and his role as a father to his four children. He had a lifelong passion for big band music, and enjoyed playing the drums throughout his life. He also was an avid storyteller whose legacy includes two stage plays, two novels, and two novellas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Albert (Marge), sister Dorothy (Gene) Schranz, son-in-law Yusuf Noorani, and granddaughter Rachel Jankowski.

He is survived by his wife Joan; daughters Ann Zilliox (Keith Nowadly) of Williamsburg Virginia, Marie Noorani of Richland Washington, and Theresa (Bill) Jankowski of Orchard Park New York; and son Peter (Sarah) of Lee's Summit Missouri. Jack is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jill, Craig, and Grace Nowadly; Benjamin and Alex Jankowski; Adam (Erika) Noorani, and Sofia (Thomas) Hergenrader, as well as great-grandson James Hergenrader. Surviving sisters include LeVonne Williams, Ann O'Connell, and Barbara Breidenstein, all of Buffalo, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at a later date, with interment in the columbarium at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg.