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John Zagata Obituary

Zagata, John A. loving companion of Silvana Illescas, devoted father of Nicole and Elizabeth, beloved son of Joseph and Deanna Zagata, fond brother of Jenny Lenihan, grandson of Noemi Belisle, also survived by many extended family members. Funeral Monday 12 noon at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Ave. Visitation Sunday, 3 to 9 p.m. Interment Maryhill Cemetery, 773-774-4100.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Zagata

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Amanda Sabal-Budzik

July 13, 2009

I just learned of John's passing recently. I am deeply sadden. I remember John as one of the neighborhood kids growing up and also a schoolmate at St.Veronica. He was always smiling and always ready to help in anything. He will always be in my prayers and memories. My condolences to his family.

Jenny Lenihan-Zagata

March 6, 2009

To the other half of my soul,
I will never forget our childhood years and all that we shared. I will do anything to keep your memory alive. I will do the best I can as the aunt of your beautiful children. Thank-you everyone who knew my brother and new what a great person he was. He impacted so many lives in so many great ways. John, I will see you when the time comes until then, you will remain in my heart and soul. I will love you for the REST OF MY LIFE!

Christopher Wadley

March 5, 2009

I recently learned of John's passing and was very saddened by it. John and I grew up together playing baseball at Horner Park and Gordon Tech. John was a good friend and a gifted athlete. Unfortunately, we lost touch with each other after high school, and I am very sorry that we did not reconnect prior to his passing. My thoughts are with John's family, and I wish them well.

Judy Pappas

February 8, 2009

I was John's teacher at St. Veronica School. He is included in the wonderful memories I carry of my years there. John had a big smile and kind heart. I was so sorry to hear of his death. My sympathies to Mr. & Mrs. Zagata, Jenny, and the rest of John's family. He will be remembered with fondness. Prayers and blessings to you all.

Hersick Family

February 1, 2009

We are sorry for your loss, we will miss him dearly I know he is with his cuz (Jason) watching over us if you need anything please call
We Love You Very Much

Greg Partridge

January 16, 2009

I knew John growing up in the neighborhood and my most rememberal memory was when we meaning John, Dave and myself would just hang out and be kids. my prayers and my condolences go out to you and your family. Jen i am sorry for your loss.

Robert Wolf

January 4, 2009

I have a broken toe to this day because I kicked I garbage can full rocks after losing a street hockey game against JOHN. He was in my home room and lunch table at Gordon. He was always a riot, and will never be forgotten. He was one of the great personalities of the CLASS of 1995! Wish I could play Hockey one more time with him. God bless his family.

Jorge Silveyra

December 31, 2008

My condolences go out to all of John's immediate family and friends. John & I were classmates at Gordon Tech (1995) and he was such a great person to be around, always with a postive attitude and was the life of any party. I was floored when another GT classmate broke the horrible news to me. John was a great man & will be missed.

Sal Ramirez

December 29, 2008

I've known John since little league at Horner Park and Gordon. We were in the same league this past summer as well. Just want to say that John was one of the toughest competitors that I knew but he was an even better friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 2 girls and his family.

Vijay Verghese

December 28, 2008

Dear Zagata family,

I went to grade school with John and always remembered him as a funny and considerate person. My condolences to the entire family. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless during this difficult time.

Silvana, Nicole, Elizabeth

December 22, 2008

My Dear Love,
Your legacy continues in our girls Nicole and Lizzy. We love and miss you so much. You are our angel now and will be watching over us. Thank you for the wonderul 14 years we had. RIP my love! You will forever be with us.
WE LOVE YOU PAPI!

Silvana, Nicole, Elizabeth

December 22, 2008

My Dear Love, your legacy continues with our girls. No one will EVER replace that love we have for you. You will forever be with us. You are our angel and will be watching over us. Will miss you dearly. I promise to do my best in raising our girls with your memories. RIP MY LOVE. I LOVE YOU ALWAYS...Thank you for 14 WONDERFUL YEARS. In time we will be togethere again.
WE LOVE YOU PAPI!

Kim Turner

December 22, 2008

Joe, I am so sorry to hear about your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.

Shavon Watts

December 22, 2008

Mr & Mrs. Zagata I am so sorry for your loss.You have my deepest sympathy. I pray for your strength through your time of sadness.

Susan Kraut

December 22, 2008

The loss of John is certain to forever impact the lives of all who knew him. As others have said, he had a way of turning almost any situation into laughter with his silly jokes and jovial demeanor. I can only imagine what he would be doing right now to put a smile on the faces of those who will so deeply grieve his loss.
My sincerest condolences are extended to Silvana and the girls. May you find peace and comfort during this trying time.

Thomesa Ball

December 21, 2008

I remember John as a happy, easy going young man who you could always count on for a smile and a good old-fashioned bear hug. His death is a loss to everyone who knew him. My deepest condolences to his entire family.

Najette (Tokarz) Keller

December 21, 2008

John will sorely be missed! He was a light of inspiration & big mouth throughout his baseball experiences. He knew how to cheer anyone up with one of his goofy jokes or even his funny laugh! He always put his girls first and talked about them with such love and admiration! He is loved and I have many fond memories of High School and him coming to visit me at Michigan State (with Victor). My prayers go out to your family!

Josie (Quitter) Ceglarek

December 21, 2008

Deanna, Joseph & Jenny - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was a grammar school classmate of Jenny's & have fond memories of John as well - May God bless you all and watch over you during your time of need & always. My deepest sympathies to you all.

William Ziegler

December 21, 2008

Coach Zagata,

We had alot of great times during Freshman Baseball at GT. Thank you for being such a great coach.

Billy Ziegler

Effie Bartlett

December 21, 2008

I knew John from Hamlin Park were he played baseball with my son Mitch.He would always ask me for a gatoraide or some bubble gum. He was nice to everyone. I saw him many years after and he was all grown up and hansome as ever. I send my deepest condolences to his family and his many friends.

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