I. Joseph Zak, 88, of Port Neches, died Saturday, November 24, 2012, at Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur. He was born on February 17, 1924, in North Charleroi, Pennsylvania, to Paraska and Michael Zak.
Joseph was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He worked aboard the destroyer USS Leutze and was also a recipient of the Purple Heart. Joseph spent his career working as a civil engineer in the petrochemical industry. He was a longtime member of St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, Beaumont and enjoyed spending time with family and watching sports. Joseph will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-five years, Helen Zak of Port Neches; daughter, Pamela J. Zak of Easton, Maryland; sons, Thomas Zak and his wife, Felicia; and Joseph Michael Zak, all of Nederland; grandchildren, Jay Zak and his wife, Kassie, and their son, Brayden of Port Neches; and Justin Zak and his wife, Holly, and their daughter, Harper of Dallas; brother, Paul Zak; and numerous nieces and nephews; and sisters-in law.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
A gathering of Mr. Zak’s family and friends will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Trisagion at 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 26, 2012, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at St. Michael Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 680 North 15th Street, Beaumont, with interment to follow at St. Michael Orthodox Cemetery, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, 7008 Little River Turnpike, P. O. Box 49, Annandale, Virginia 22003.
