John J. Zarkowski

John J. Zarkowski (1 May 1922 in Westfield, Massachusetts - 29 October 2016 in Holyoke, Massachusetts) was a American veteran who served with the United States Army during World War II.

Biography
John was born in the newly incorporated city of Westfield, Massachusetts on 1 May 1922. He was the son of Walter and Sophie Zarkowski. He had a sister named Mary. John enlisted in the United States Army on 15 September 1942. He woud serve in the Pacific Theater during World War II. During his military service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After being discharged in 1945 he went on to work for the Westfield Public School district. He mainly worked as a teacher and Placement Coordinator at Westfield Trade High School (known today as Westfield Technical Academy). He retired in the 1990s. After his retirement he settled in Holyoke, Massachusetts eventually being interned in the Holyoke Soldiers Home. He passed away there 29 October 2016.