John L. Zavadil

ROCKY MOUNT - Lt. Commander John L. Zavadil USN (Ret.), age 77, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Born in Platte County, NE on February 9, 1939, he was the son of the late Wayne Zavadil and Kay Backes Zavadil. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Don Zavadil. Les, as he was known, was born and raised in Humphrey, Nebraska. He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BS in Engineering. He received a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Navy Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA. He served in the United States Navy for 21 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During his service, he was stationed on the USS Meredith DD 890 in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Navy in 1981, Les worked for Comptek Federal Systems in Arlington, VA. He also spent 5 years in NJ working for ITT Avionics in Nutley, NJ. Following his years in NJ he returned to Arlington again to work for Comptek Federal Systems. He retired to Rocky Mount, NC in 1995 with his wife, Debby, and quickly became involved in the community. Les helped charter Branch 204 of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), serving as its President and Secretary/Treasurer. He was active on the Regional and National levels of the FRA, serving as the East Coast Regional President in 2001. Les was also an active member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Tin Can Sailors Association and USS Meredith Association. Les was a member of the VFW in Rocky Mount, NC and the American Legion in Goldsboro, NC, as well as numerous Ham Radio Associations. As an active Ham Radio operator, he was involved in local ham radio activities and served as an officer in both the Rocky Mount, NC and Wilson, NC Ham Radio Clubs. Les was involved in NC Legislative affairs involving retired Military personnel and was an active member of the NC Veterans Association and a Legislative organization called The Fourth Branch. Les leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 53 years, Deborah Zavadil; sons and daughters, David Zavadil and wife, Cathy, of Virginia Beach, VA; Alice Wiggins and husband, Dan, of Afton, VA; Daniel Zavadil of Sterling, VA; Amy Zavadil of Guttenberg, NJ; and Maria Daniela Paez of Centreville, VA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kristen OKeefe and husband, Amos; Joshua Zavadil; Daniel Zavadil; Sara-Catherine Zavadil; Erin Wiggins; and Ana Zavadil; and great-granddaughter, Evelyn Quinn OKeefe; his siblings, Jon Zavadil and wife, Anita, of Columbus, NE; Yvonne Schroeder and husband, Joe, of Council Bluffs, IA; Anne Krueger and husband, Ken, of Omaha, NE; Ruth Gronenthal and husband, Ron, of Platte Center, NE; Bill Zavadil and wife, Debbie, of Graham, WA; and Hugh Zavadil and wife, Julie, of Wichita, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services. During the visitation, the members of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 259 will perform the Two Bell Ceremony in Les honor at 7:00 PM. Military Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fleet Reserve Association Welfare Fund, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314-2754. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Saturday 10/29, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA 22211