John E. Zick 1949 - 2021 Philadelphia, PA It is with great sadness that friends and family announce the passing of John E. Zick, former Holy Cross High School brother, educator and counselor. Although John has not lived in Waterbury for many years, his ties to and love of the city remained with him always. Born July 14, 1949 to Herman and Catherine (Maccarone) Zick, John received his BA in English and Spanish from St. Edwards University. In later years, he would also receive his C.A.S. in Counseling/Psychology from Fairfield University and his MALS from Wesleyan University. After graduating high school, John joined the Brothers of Holy Cross, and his first assignment was Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. During his years there, he made his mark as teacher, mentor and friend. His quick wit and positive encouragement made lasting impressions on his students, many of which became life long friends. Although he left Holy Cross and the brotherhood to enter the corporate world, he always considered Waterbury “home”. Still drawn to personal development in the corporate arena, John continued to teach integrity and responsibility within Human Resources/Training and Development positions at W.R. Grace and Co., R.A. Jud and Associates and Dentsply International. Since work eventually led to the Philadelphia area, it is there that he retired. John will be forever remembered for his fierce loyalty to his family and friends, his dry wit and humor, his sending cards for any and every occasion, his love of good pizza, his wise counsel, and above all, his devotion to our Lord. His family would like to particularly thank his life long friends Dr. James Tobin, Gary Rinaldi and John G. Rowland for their over 40 years of friendship, care and companionship, as well as Michael Connolly who was John’s trusted friend and caretaker during the last years of his life. John is survived by his sister, Catherine Kirchhofer, his brother, Robert (Grace) Zick, his nieces Grace (Ryan) Kirchhofer, Regina Zick and Leanne Zick, his nephew Michael (Allison) Kirchhofer, and grandnephew Scott Kirchhofer. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Scott Kirchhofer. Per John’s request, a Mass of Christian Burial for immediate family and friends will be celebrated Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 785 Highland Avenue, Waterbury. There are no calling hours and arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck.