FARMINGTON – John D. Zadakis Sr., 83, of Farmington, formerly of Rumford, was reunited with his parents and sister on Tuesday, May 16. He had been a patient at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington for the past two weeks.

He was born May 19, 1922, in Rumford, the son of Joseph and Albina (Norvilas) Zadakis.

He was educated in Rumford schools, graduating from Stephens High School in 1940.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving five years as a Merchant Marine.

John worked more than 39 years at Boise Cascade in Rumford, retiring in 1986.

He married Lillian Poulin on April 12, 1947, in Jay.

He was a communicant of St. Athanasius/St.John’s Catholic Church in Rumford.

He enjoyed nature, animals, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and going to his camp at Garland Pond. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

John resided at the Sandy River Health Care Center in Farmington for more than 11 years and considered it “his hotel.” He was the unofficial greeter at the door by saying “Have a nice day” or “Have a good night” to everyone he met.

John will be missed by all those who knew him there.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lillian Zadakis, of Rumford; two daughters, Patty Flagg and her husband, Paul, of Farmington, and Gail Zadakis and her partner, Sharon, of Eugene, Ore.; five sons, Greg Zadakis of Rumford, Godfrey Zadakis and his wife, Dau, of El Paso, Texas, John Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Mexico, Stephen and his fiance, Shellie Maillet, of Rumford, Joe Zadakis and his wife, Robin, of Bryant Pond; a brother-in-law, Leo Marsanskis of Florida; and cousins, nieces and nephews.

John, also known as Papa or Bonka, also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, Michael, Linda, Tommy, Scott, John Jr., Stacey, Amy, Melissa, Mark, Chad, Nick, Marcie, Kara, Brandon and Stephen; and three great-grandchildren, Dylan, Lindsay and Bella.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Josephine Marsanskis; an infant son, Mark; and a sister-in-law, Georgette Breau and her husband, William.