John George Zarcaro, passed away on August 18, 2018 at the age of 85 from a rare and aggressive type of kidney cancer. The son of two Italian immigrants, John was born May 6, 1933, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He graduated high school from LaSalle Military Academy in Long Island, New York, where he played basketball, football, and golf. Much to his mother’s chagrin, he went on to graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Following graduation from college, he enrolled in the United States Navy where he became a pilot. He flew several planes including the A-4, his favorite, which was a carrier attack aircraft. He often told the story of flying an S2F over the Atlantic during a storm when he bypassed landing on a Navy carrier thirteen times because of the ferocious pitch of the sea in darkness. When he finally landed the plane on the carrier, the crew celebrated this act (a ship record) by baking him a cake. The story illustrates much about this remarkable man: grace under pressure, determination and skill, and humility. John met the love of his life, Rose Veronica Gonzalez, in Kingsville, Texas, and they married October 4, 1957. Rose and John celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and a lifetime of love last year with their family.

John joined NASA during Project Mercury and served in the nation’s space program. In 1984, he established GeoControl Systems, Inc. with the help of friends and investors. There he continued his service to the space program. He loved his military and civil service careers and treasured his time working with the immensely talented men and women of this nation’s space program.

John or “Z”, as so many of us knew him, spent a lifetime cultivating happiness, adventure, and joy. He was a favorite golf partner and a beloved friend. He enjoyed marching tunes, old westerns, and a friendly gin game. He seldom had an ill word to share about anyone and was generous beyond measure, especially with his time. He had the gift of making all of us feel seen, heard, and loved. John was a true lifelong learner- from restoring a late 50s sports roadster to completing daily crossword puzzles. Insatiably curious, he pursued challenges and sought new adventures.

John leaves behind a family that will miss him greatly: his loving wife Rose; son John Joseph, daughter-in-law Sandy, and grandchildren John Anthony, Ariana, Sophie, and Nicholas; son Michael, daughter-in-law Sarah, and grandchildren Michael and Emily; daughter Rosanne and partner Chuck, and son Anthony. John also leaves behind many siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, colleagues, and innumerable golf buddies whom he respected and adored and who brought him a lifetime of joy.

The schedule of services is as follows:
Rosary service from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Crowder Funeral Home in Webster, TX on August 28, 2018;
Mass and reception beginning at 10:30 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church on August 29, 2018; and Private funeral service at Forest Park East following the mass and reception.

He was well loved by his family and friends, and will be missed by those who knew him.