John Charles Zakon

John was born in Poughkeepsie, NY on July 3, 1944. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Financial Management from Pace University in NY. John proudly served his country in the United States Army.

He had a long and successful career. John was the Sales Director for Christian Dior, Vice President of Andre Courreges, and retired as the Vice President and General Manager of Games Management Services in conjunction with the New York State Lottery. John and his wife Joanne, who he married in 1983, opened a children's clothing store in Greenwich, Connecticut. In true “John & Joanne fashion,” the sky was the limit. They opened a video/card & gift store in Thornwood, NY which still remains after they sold the business and moved to Pfafftown, NC in 2004. After retirement, John missed his day-to-day business dealings and became heavily involved in the boards and treasuries of the HOAs of the condos he owned. He also served on his own Lochurst neighborhood board as treasurer. Later on, he attended The Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center. He loved the kind and caring staff there, the friends he made and all the dancing, music and activities he participated in.

John may not have been the tallest man, but his personality was huge. He was always there to entertain. He always looked forward to hosting an annual New Years Eve party for their dear friends and neighbors. John loved traveling and vacationing, especially with his family.The Carribean beaches were his favorite. And he was always visiting family in New York and attending the yearly Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota with his sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Dorothy Zakon. John leaves behind his loving wife of 41 years, Joanne; children, Dina (Troy) Bennett, Joseph (Theresa) Zakon, Ami (Lucas) Hansen, and John Zakon, Jr.; grandchildren, Tyler and Francesca Bennett, Kaylee and Caden Zakon, and Addyson, Landon, and Logan Hansen; sister, Dorothy (Kenneth) Zylstra; nieces, nephews, and numerous other loved ones and friends.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Vogler Funeral & Cremations, Yadkinville Road on Sunday, June 22nd from 2-4pm with a prayer and moment from the family at 3pm.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to The Enrichment Center, 1006 South Marshall St Winston Salem, NC 27101, or The Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Daycare Center, 114 30th St Winston Salem NC 27105.