John Zago

A Life Well Played

In the quiet early hours of May 1st, 2025, just before sunrise, John Zago teed off on his final and most glorious round—this time on Heaven’s fairway. At the age of 92, he was joyfully reunited with his best friend Emil, his beloved Shih Tzu Mikey, and many dear family members who went before him. No doubt, he arrived just in time for the first light tee time, smiling wide and clubs in hand.

John lived a life full of love, service, laughter, and dedication. A proud Navy veteran who served during the Korean War, he also worked with his mother, Philomena ("Grandma Phil"), making shell bands for World War II. He later dedicated over three decades to teaching accounting and business math at Sterling Heights High School, where he left a legacy of diligence, kindness, and unwavering attention to detail.

John was the kind of man who did everything with care—from his beautifully manicured yard and immaculately organized garage and toolbox to the thoughtful way he helped friends and neighbors Barbra and Arthur and the others around the house, drove seniors to church, or fixed something just to bring someone ease. He loved swimming, traveling the world with his wife, and—above all—helping others whenever he could.

He was also a devoted family man. For over 53 years, John was the adoring husband of Penelope Ann (Penny), the love of his life, whom he married on March 24, 1972. Together, they built a life grounded in mutual respect, laughter, and enduring love. John was a cherished father to Joe and Becky and took great joy in being a grandfather to Grant, Zach, Alli, and Giovanni, and a great-grandfather to Braiden, Ryder, Kaiden, and Javier. He found immense pride in his family and never missed an opportunity to support, uplift, and guide them—especially when a corny joke could lighten the mood.

John’s steadfast nature, his endless generosity, and his deep devotion to those he loved defined him. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or at home, he gave 100%—always. He taught his children with patience, protected his grandchildren with fierce love, and showed his wife, day after day, what true partnership looked like. He never gave up on anyone and never failed to show up when it mattered most.

Though we will miss his warm smile, thoughtful words, and playful spirit, we know his love surrounds us still—cheering us on, whispering encouragement in our dreams, and guiding us with that quiet strength he carried so well.

Heaven’s course is a little brighter now, the green perfectly trimmed, and the clubhouse filled with joyful reunions: his sisters Deloris and Louise, his parents Philomena and Tiziano, his grandparents Giovanni, Louisa, Giuseppe, and Olanda, and beloved pups Mikey, Snooky, Buffy, and Brownie.

Until we meet again, John, may your swing stay smooth, your drives stay straight, and your heart forever full. Good night, sleep tight don't let the bedbugs bite—if they do, get a shoe and beat ‘em black and blue.

Visitation Sunday, May 4, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Wysocki & Wilk Funeral Home, 29440 Ryan, Warren, Michigan. Instate from 9:30 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. Funeral Service at the 1st United Methodist Church, 5005 Chicago Rd, Warren, Michigan.  Interment will follow at Cadillac Memorial Gardens, East Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. 

Donations in John's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Please share a memory, thought, or prayer with the family here on John's Obituary Page Guestbook.