John R. Zawaski, Sr., of Townsend, DE, passed away at his home on Wednesday November 14, 2018. He was 71.

He was born January 21, 1947 in Upland, PA to the late Raymond J. Zawaski and Catherine Higley Zawaski.

He graduated from Chester High Vo-Tech in 1965. He was a Vietnam War veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1965-1969, where he attained the rank of Sergeant.

In 1979 John married the love of his life, Helen, and resided in Townsend, DE where he and Helen raised their family.

He had a long career as a machinist at Delaware City Power Plant. Of special note, John had two Class A cost savings awards while employed at Delmarva Power. He was proud to be acknowledged and commended for these contributions, as well as having the knowledge and design capabilities.

He was a multi-instrumentalist and talented musician, and let God speak through his music as he blessed those around him through singing, playing guitar, and piano. He was also a skilled carpenter, vegetable gardener, enjoyed raising chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and turkeys. He also enjoyed fishing, trapping, crabbing, being on his boat, and had a great respect and love for nature.

He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Smyrna, DE.

He was preceded in death by a son, John R. Zawaski Jr.; and a brother, George Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Helen L. Zawaski; two daughters, Brianne N. Zawaski Gasque, and Jessica R. Zawaski Souza; grandchildren, Alyssa Zawaski, Samantha Zawaski, Lilianna Souza, Savina Souza, Zanna Souza; five sisters, Augustine Zawaski, Patricia Zawaski Martin, Rose Zawaski Verecchia, Christine DiPallo, and Annie Swank; and a brother, Stephen Thomas.

Funeral services with military honors will be held 1:00 PM Friday November 30 at the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd., Bear, DE. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 14, 107 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Seasons Hospice Foundation, 220 Continental Dr., Newark, DE 19713. Please note "In memory of John R. Zawaski Sr." on the check.

To sign the online guestbook, please click the tab marked "View and Sign Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.