John W. Zidziunas

John W. Zidziunas, age 78, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at his home in Springfield, New Jersey, surrounded by his loved ones.

John was born on August 10, 1947, in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey, to Joseph and Evelyn Zidziunas. He was a proud graduate of East Side High School and went on to attend the University of Miami, where he played football as a wide receiver for the Hurricanes.

After college, John began his career as a teacher in Newark, where he met his first wife, Susan Zidziunas. Together, they raised two sons, Rhett and John Jr. John transitioned into business, owning and operating several trucking companies in the Ironbound section of Newark. His entrepreneurial drive and deep love for the city also led him into public service and politics. During the Gibson Administration, he served as Director of the City of Newark’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

John’s dynamic career took a remarkable turn when he became Director of Concert Merchandise for Whitney Houston. He spent years touring with her during the height of her fame—an experience he cherished and often shared with pride. Throughout his life, John remained actively involved in Newark politics and went on to own and develop several commercial properties in the city, ventures that brought him great professional success. For the final decade of his working life, John proudly served with the Newark Parking Authority before retiring.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John was known for his love of great food, his close circle of friends, and his beloved beach house in Lavallette at the Jersey Shore.

John was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Zidziunas, and is survived by his sister, Gail Cevoli; his two sons, John Jr,, Rhett and his wife Angela; his four grandchildren; and by his lifelong partner, Maria Forte and her family, including her two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, partner, and friend, and as a man deeply committed to his family and community.

Visitation will be held at Galante Funeral Home in Union, New Jersey, on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A final viewing will take place onTuesday, December 30, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in West Orange at 44 Benvenue Avenue. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy of hard work, loyalty, and love for family and the beach and will live on in the many lives he touched