John Joseph Zima was born September 27, 1922, in the small town of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania.  John was the son of John and Veronica Zima.  He was one of eight siblings and a devoted son to his mother.  Like many in his day, he served his country in World War II.  John achieved the rank of staff sergeant in the Army of the United States.

It was while he was stationed in Italy that John met then Padre Pio.  John spent his life sharing his devotion to Padre Pio and lived to see him canonized in 2002.  It was his strong faith and this devotion that gave John great comfort throughout his life.

After the war John began his work as a machinist at SKF, where he worked for 43 years.  It was here that John would meet the love of his life.  John and Betty worked together for several years and were married September 23, 1950.  They were inseparable until Betty’s death in 2017.

One of John’s greatest joys was spending time with his three daughters.  He was an avid sports fan and spent many hours enjoying Phillies games with his girls.

After his retirement, John began a second career taking care of his beloved grandchildren.  They gave him immense joy in the latter part of his life.

John is survived by his three loving daughters:  Geri Zima (Tom Osborne), Maureen Smith (Jim), and Betty DiFranceisco (David); and eight grandchildren, Jonathan Osborne, Paul Smith, Justin Smith, Joshua Smith, Matthew Smith, Lea DiFranceisco, Julie DiFranceisco, and Casey DiFranceisco.

Family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022 at 10:00am followed by John's Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine Cemetery Chapel located at 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA  18901.  Travel in your car through the cemetery gates to the end of the road and the cemetery chapel  is on your left.  

If you have any questions, please contact the funeral home at 215-348-9421.