Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory


John was born October 26, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents John Zyla and Julia Shaposka. “Jack” was the youngest of 4 children, with older siblings Eleanor, Lorraine, and Lawrence and grew up in a rowhouse on Gross Street in the Bloomfield area. 

Jack attended Central Catholic High School and graduated in 1952. Later he attended Duquesne University in downtown Pittsburgh and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1959. He relocated to Washington D.C. working as a Statistician for the U.S. Census Bureau.  Most of his career was spent working at the Pentagon for the Department of the Army, including a three-year tour in Stuttgart, Germany at Kelley Barracks. In retirement, he worked at the Navy Yard and H.R. Block for many years. 

After relocating to D.C., John met the love of his life, Rosa working at her family sewing shop business. He requested for her to sew a button back on, which she graciously declined, but gladly accepted a date to the carnival with him instead.  They were married on July 4th in 1962 and John would love to say, that he lost his Independence on Independence Day. They were married for 40 wonderful years until her death in 2003.

John and Rosa were blessed with three children; John, Donna, and Thomas and enjoyed raising their loving family together. John always put his faith in God and with his family were always the most important. He was a good provider and emphasized the importance of education, instilled in us many values and virtues, and always led by example. 

John and Rosa attended St Ignatius Catholic Church for many years, where he served as an usher and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.  After retirement, John and Rosa moved to Arlington, VA and attended St Agnes Catholic Church. He was a big fan and season ticket holder of the Washington Redskins enjoying games with his children and grandchildren. He was also a fan of the Washington Nationals baseball and Capitals hockey teams.  He was a good husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and he will be truly missed. Everybody loved, “Bumpa” as he was affectionately called. 

Many wonderful moments were created and are still talked about today, as we pass these stories down to our own children, that keep us smiling and laughing every time we get together.

On June 25, 2023, John passed away peacefully, surrounded by family after a long battle with dementia.  He is predeceased by his loving wife of 40 years, Rosa Zyla. He is survived by his three children; John D (Tabatha) Zyla of Ridge, Md; Donna (Neal) Swientisky of Centreville, VA; Thomas S. Zyla of Severn, MD, and 10 grandchildren: Becky (Chris) Alpeter, Zachary, and Jacob Zyla; Paige (Keith) Miccio, Gabriella, Olivia, Nicholas, and Eleanor Swientisky; Nathan and Ariana Zyla, also two great grandchildren; Henry and Eloise Miccio. He is also survived by sister; Lorraine Baker of Pittsburgh, PA and predeceased by siblings; Eleanor Impavido and Lawrence Zyla. 

Family and friends will be received July 5, 2023, at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church in Oxon Hill, Maryland at 10am. Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Ignatius Church at 11am. Following the funeral, his burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD.  To honor the memory of John R. Zyla, the family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the International Rett’s Syndrome Foundation. 





John R. Zyla

John R. Zyla

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