Obituary of John Alexander Zubrovich

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Alexander Zubrovich, who passed quietly on September 10, 2023 after a brief illness. John's earthly journey came to an end at the age of 60, leaving behind a deep legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories.

John was born on January 13, 1963 to Joseph Zubrovich and Mary Rindos - their "gift from God". He was the youngest of 4 siblings - Christine, Helena, and Joe - who all loved their baby brother tremendously. Christine would take John on dates with her, Helena would cart him to Mets games, and Joe would wake him up in the middle of the night to go watch horror movies at the theater. John went to Mater Christi High School, and was a proud alumnus of Brooklyn College. A lifelong Brooklynite, John was passionate about his city, especially his childhood neighborhood of Greenpoint. He never wanted to live anywhere else in the world than Brooklyn.

John's impact reached far and wide. John was a devoted employee of the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University for more than 30 years, John was a treasured leader and mentor, and made a positive difference in the lives of all his colleagues over his many decades there. He believed so strongly in the work that was done at Downstate, celebrating the innovation and pursuit of knowledge the community fostered. He started his career at Downstate as a medical photographer in the late 1980s and worked his way up to Director of the Department of New Media Services.

During college, John saved up his money to either buy a Triumph TR7 car or go on a study abroad trip to Italy. He chose the latter, and met the love of his life, Elise. They married on August 27, 1988 at Terrace on the Park. John was endlessly devoted to his wife, and did anything and everything he could to not only take care of her, but to celebrate her every day. Their son Alex arrived in 1991, and daughter Julia in 1997. His children were his pride and joy, and he loved nothing more than spending time with them and making them laugh. No matter what age, John saw his kids as his babies. John lived for his family, immediate and extended.

John's greatest joys in life were the simple things. He loved a day in, surrounded by his family and his trinkets. He loved geeking out about his favorite sci-fi movies and shows, investigating the latest technological innovations and playing with his computers and vintage cameras just as much as he loved traveling and exploring new sights and places with his family. John had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved, creating lasting bonds with family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances alike. He was known widely for his radiating warmth and goofy humor, and a source of unending comfort for his loved ones.

John is survived by his wife Elise, children Alex and Julia (Casey), sister Christine Reisman, sister Helena Zubrovich, brother Joseph Zubrovich (Catherine), brother-in-law Stephen Ganci (Virginia), sister-in-law Lisa Esposito (Frank), and sister-in-law Regina Kinney (Bob). He leaves behind his beloved nieces: Liz Reisman, Maryann Ganci Tenney (Brad), Rebecca Zubrovich, Christina Ganci, Elissa Esposito, Laura Kinney, and Leanna Tenney; nephews: Michael Ganci (Stephanie), Chris Kinney (Shirley), Mark Zubrovich, and Gavin Tenney; and bonus daughter Lindsay Baird. He is survived by family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues who adored and cherished him.

Reposing Thursday, September 14 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn 11234.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2992 Ave. S, Brooklyn, NY 11229 on Friday, September 15 at 11:00 AM. Service to follow at Green-Wood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in John's honor.

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