Obituary of John R. Zongrone

John R. Zongrone, 91, died Sunday,  November 3rd, 2024, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York, with his loving wife by his side.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Rose Mary (Bradt) Zongrone; his cherished daughters and son, Gale Pappas, Nancy (Kirk) Phillips, Ann (Larry) Bohling, Carol (Jim) Cillis, Mary (Mike) Gerardi, John (Susan) Zongrone and Amy (John) Nieratko; grandchildren Brooke (Brett), Christina, Justin (Jayna), Jimmy, Abbie, Jennifer, Katherine (Connor), Sara, Micheal, Cody, Mia, Hailey, Logan and Cole; great grandchildren Niko, Brody, Leno, Blair, and Margot, along with several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  He also leaves his brother-in-law, Robert S. Bradt and many cousins.  

John was born May 20, 1933 in New York City, New York, to Anthony Ross and Minnie (Vero) Zongrone. He had two sisters, Frances (Manny) Catanuto (deceased) and Marie (Gene) Robinson (deceased). 

John's early years were spent in New York City before moving to Chester, New York. There, he balanced basketball with working at his father's bar and for the United States Railroad. After graduating from Chester High School, John attended New York State College for Teachers at Albany, where he met his future wife, Rose Mary. During his college years, he played basketball and he was President of Alpha Pi Alpha fraternity where he was instrumental in changing the structure and diversity of that organization.  He was featured in the University at Albany Magazine, Spring 2002 edition, highlighting his efforts to “do what we thought was right.”  John’s story was also featured in the New York Daily News on December, 22, 2002.  Columnist, Michael Daly, declared that, “He (John) took a stand when Lott sat.”

In September 1954, John was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, serving two years in Germany and Fort Ord, California. He and Rose Mary married on April 7, 1956, lived in California until his discharge in September 1956.  He was awarded an Honorable Discharge, August 1962.  

John worked at IBM for two years before transitioning to the insurance industry in 1959. In 1970, he founded the John R. Zongrone Insurance Agency in Schenectady, NY, which remains in business today, and is still an independent agency.  Throughout his career, John was active in many insurance industry organizations.  

John and Rose Mary settled in Voorheesville, N.Y., for over 50 years. In Voorheesville, John was a very  active community member. He belonged to St. Matthew’s Church, where he served as a Trustee, lay minister, lector, and religious education teacher. He was a past President of the Kiwanis Club, with over 50 years of service, and coached many Kiwanis-sponsored youth programs. John served on the Voorheesville School Board and the Voorheesville Variance Board.  He was well-regarded in the community, had many friends, and supported them by providing personalized insurance needs.  He spent many evenings making sure his clients’ needs were met and helping them navigate their circumstances.  

John and Rose Mary traveled extensively, visiting almost every continent, enjoying their experiences and tours.  He was a devoted husband and father, organizing family vacations in the New England area over 30 years.  His role as “Elvis”, dressing up in theme-related costumes brought delight to his grandchildren every time.  The family looked forward to hearing him ring the bell and say, ‘order up’ when he made special Elvis breakfasts.  Vacations were never complete without an “Elvis” sighting. 

John's quick wit and love of humor were well-known among family and friends. His situational jokes brought a smile to those around him. He had a knack for finding humor in everyday situations.  When the entire family sat down for dinner, he would look at all of them and remark, ‘I suppose you’re all wondering why I called this meeting.”  Love abounded and he was devoted to his family supporting them in all their endeavors and choices.  He was a true Yankees fan, supported the NY Giants, and loved a good western movie.  

John's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His warm smile and generous spirit left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Family and friends are invited to share remembrances of John’s life Thursday, November 7th, from 4-7pm at St. Matthew’s Church in Voorheesville, NY.   The funeral mass will be held at the St. Matthew’s Church in Voorheesville, New York, on Friday, November 8th, commencing at 10:00am.  The family will host a reception immediately following in the church social hall.  

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Peregrine Assisted Living staff (Guilderland) and the critical care nursing staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for their compassion and support.  

The family requests in lieu of flowers, to consider making a donation to the Breast Cancer Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association or New Scotland Kiwanis.