John R. Zaums, Ph.D.

John R. Zaums, Ph.D., 81, of Clarks Summit, died on Wednesday, at home. He was the husband of Margie Reilly Zaums to whom he was married for over 55 years. Born April 9, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA, Jack was the son of the late Joseph and Olga Kuryloski Zaums. He earned bachelors and masters degrees from St. Vincent University in Latrobe, PA and a Ph.D. in Religion and Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Jack was a professor of Religious Studies at Marywood University for 39 years, and served as department chair for many of those years. He was a member of several national committees and published articles promoting adult religious education. His dedication to service learning inspired him to lead many week long service trips for Marywood students. He has served as Eucharist minister and member of the parish council of Our Lady of the Snows Church and more recently was a member of the parish council of the Church of St.Gregory.

 

Jack considered every day to be a gift. Since retirement he enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, gardening, painting watercolors, and especially spending time with his family. In the past several years he exercised at Rock Steady Boxing, Old Forge, a program designed to fight the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

 

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, is his son: John Zaums and his wife Lisa of Chester Springs, daughter: Karen Zaums and her partner Brian Filbert of S. Abington Twp., brother, Robert W. Zaums and his wife Mary Paul of Waterbury, CT.; sister: Catherine Toran of Quincy, MA, grandson, Benjamin Galvin of Key West, FL; granddaughters, Emily Zaums of Chester Springs, and Holly Galvin of S. Abington Twp. and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Joseph Zaums.

 

The funeral will be Tuesday, November 7 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at the Church Of St. Gregory, 330 North Abington Road, Clarks Green, PA, interment at a later date, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow, PA. The family will receive relatives and friends Monday, November 6 from 4-6pm at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit and Tuesday from 9:45-10:45am at the church. Memorial Contributions may be made to Rock Steady Boxing of NEPA, 1 Maxson Drive, Old Forge, PA 18518 or to the donor's charity of choice in honor of Jack.