John F. Zelesnik, 91, of Fords passed away June 5, 2017, at home surrounded by his family.  Born in Bayonne, he lived in Fords since 1957.  John graduated from Seton Hall University with a BA in accounting and began his career with Asiatic Petroleum Company in New York City.  Before his retirement, John was proprietor of John's Friendly Service Station in Edison and previously the Shell service station in Menlo Park.  He was a Past President of the Gasoline Retailers Association of New Jersey.

A World War II veteran, John served in the United States Army in central Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (World War II Victory Medal), the EAME Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.  He was a member of the American Legion, Post 471.

John was the son of the late Andrew and Helen (Papp); brother of the late Frank, Steve, and Alfred Papp and Mariellen Chase.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Marian (nee Wilson), of 68 years; his daughters, Andrea Jeffries of Cedar Run, NJ and Doreen Abiraad (Michel) of Beirut, Lebanon; and four granddaughters: Brianna and Brielle Jeffries, and Natalie and JoAnn Abiraad.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue, Fords on Thursday, June 8, from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.   The funeral will commence at the funeral home on Friday, June 9, at 10:00 followed by a 10:30 am Funeral Liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Church, Fords.  A Committal Service will take place at the Rosehill Crematory in Linden.

His family always came first and he has left behind a legacy of love that binds us all together.  We will forever love you and carry you in our hearts.