Obituary of John Matthew Zablackas

John Matthew Zablackas, age 71, of Osprey, FL passed away peacefully following an accident on September 27, with his wife, daughter and son-in-law by his side wishing for a miracle.  John was born in Steubenville, Ohio on May 20, 1951 and came to Florida from Weirton, WV in 1974.  He was a teacher and administrator working at Venice Middle School and Sarasota High School.  In 2010, he retired after 35 years of service with the Sarasota County School Board.

Surviving family members include his wife of 47 years, Gretchen; daughters Amy Kraselsky ( Kevin) of Atlanta, GA and Lindsay Tinker (Don) of Osprey, FL; grandchildren Nathan, Ella, and Max Kraselsky, and Braeden Cameron, and Emerson Tinker; brothers Frankie of Weirton, WV, William of Weirton, WV, and Larry of Ft. Myers, FL; sisters Carolyn of Pittsburgh, PA and Christina of South Carolina.  John was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Sophie Zablackas.

During his retirement years, John enjoyed fishing, traveling the world, tennis and pickleball. He was active in the Southbay Yacht and Racquet Club serving on numerous committees.  John was often seen on his red golf cart driving through the neighborhood helping others.

John’s compassion was providing the love and support for his family.  John was his grandkids biggest cheerleader at baseball games, lacrosse games, tennis matches, basketball games, wrestling tournaments and even dance recitals.

A memorial service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:30 pm.  To share a memory of John or to leave a condolence for the family visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the hurricane Ian victims.