John L. Zalatan

Mr. John L. Zalatan 1916-2016 Mr. John Lewis Zalatan, 99, a lifelong Utica resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Charles T. Sitrin HCC. John was born in Utica on August 22, 1916, a son of the late George and Rose (Jabalee) Zalatan. He was educated in local schools and a graduate of Utica Free Academy. During WWII, John served our country in the US Army throughout the European Theater. On August 20, 1944, John was joined in marriage to the former June Bally. They had an incredible bond of over seventy years, caring for one another, their five children, and many grandchildren. His beloved June passed away on December 24, 2014. At one time, Mr. Zalatan was a self-employed grocer and later worked for Durr Packing. He retired from Rock's Tire and Battery, where he was a sales rep for several years. He is survived by his beloved children; three sons and a daughter-in-law, George Zalatan of CA, Dr. John and Patricia Zalatan of New Hartford, and Dr. Fred Zalatan of Oneonta; two daughters and a son-in-law, Rosellen Mattson of New Hartford, and Sharon and Jim Klaiber of Dewitt; his cherished grandchildren, Heather Zalatan Harp, Dr. Justin Zalatan and Dana Guidera, Dr. Jessie and Jennifer Zalatan , Dr. David Zalatan, John Klaiber, Michael Zalatan, Jason Klaiber and Benjamin Zalatan; also four great grandchildren, Madison and Kaden Harp and Cora and Matuso Zalatan; two sisters-in-law, Ida McHarris and Antoinette Zalatan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his son-in law, James Mattson, three brothers and one sister-in-law, Frank Zalatan, Sam and Beulah Zalatan, and Joseph Zalatan; and one sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Albert Zalatan, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mary and Nathaniel Garard, Anthony and Marie Bally, and Joseph McHarris. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Byzantine Latin Mass on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Basil's Church, celebrated by Aba Saba Shofany, Pastor. Military Honors will follow mass. Relatives and friends may call at the church prior to mass from 10 to 11 a.m.. Private entombment will be in Calvary Mausoleum. Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home, Utica. The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Aba Saba Shofany for the loving attention he has shown to John and June. In recognition of this, please consider donations in John's memory to St. Basil's Church. Envelopes will be available.

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