Joseph Kenneth Zawasky

Joseph Kenneth Zawasky (“Joe”), 79, peacefully passed away in Sarasota, Florida on June 14, 2024. He was born in Lorain, Ohio to the late Joseph and Helen Zawasky. He moved to Sarasota in 1991 and remained there as a resident until his passing. Joe graduated from high school at Borromeo Seminary in Wickliffe, Ohio. He earned his bachelor's degree in Spanish and Education from Kent State University, Ohio in 1967. After college, Joe moved to Turlock, California where he taught high school Spanish. In 1971, he joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served for 20 years as a Supply Officer. During his career, he served multiple tours overseas in Okinawa, Japan, as well as in North and South Carolina. Joe relocated to Florida in 1991, following his retirement from the Marine Corps as a Major. After the Marine Corps, Joe was a Probation Officer for the State of Florida. Joe loved being outdoors as well as exercising and he ran the Marine Corps Marathon twice. He was an avid runner, an accordion player and reader of Tom Clancy novels. When Joe could no longer run, he would walk almost every day. Joe enjoyed listening to polka music. Joe's warmth, enthusiasm, energy and love for his family will forever be missed. Left to cherish his memory are his former wife, Tomiko Zawasky; children Mary Handy and her husband David, Michelle Voelpel and her husband Jason, and Joseph Zawasky; sister Jeanette Holp and her husband Michael; grandchildren Jacob and Avery Handy; as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joseph is preceded in death by his sister Kathleen A. Holiday. Visitation will be on Monday, July 22nd from 9:00-9:45 a.m. at Maloney Funeral Home, 2401 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida; followed by the funeral at Maloney Funeral Home (9:45 a.m.). Service and interment with Military Honors will take place immediately after (11:00 a.m.) at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 SR 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org/ ; or the Marine Corps League Foundation at https://www.mclfoundation.org/. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.MFHcares.com

Joseph Kenneth Zawasky

August 25, 1944 - June 14, 2024