Obituary of Wayne William Zona

Wayne William Zona 

January 8, 1951- June 25, 2023 

Wayne W. Zona, 72, of St. Petersburg, Florida; devoted husband, father, and friend passed away unexpectedly at home on June 25, 2023. 

Wayne was born January 8, 1951, in Plymouth, MA. He grew up in Plymouth until 1968, when he moved to St Petersburg, FL for his senior year of high school graduating from St. Petersburg High School in 1969. After high school, Wayne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and deployed to Vietnam. He left Vietnam in 1971 after being wounded in action earning him the Purple Heart. Upon his discharge from the Marine Corps, Wayne and Jill were married in Mount Prospect, IL in 1972. He began a 32-year career with the United States Postal Service in St. Petersburg, FL and retired in 2006.  

Wayne had many hobbies throughout the years as most of you know. He loved military memorabilia, cars, guns, and a variety of collectibles. He loved watching the Tampa Bay Rays play at the Trop. He was the happiest when tinkering with his old cars and spending time with his family. He would give you the shirt off his back, humble, and was always willing to lend a hand. Wayne was one of a kind.  

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Jill, of 51 years; his two children Shawn Zona of St. Petersburg, FL and Kelly Auclair and her husband Retired Senior Chief Petty Officer Ryan Auclair of St. Johns, FL; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Lancaster and husband United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Kyle Lancaster of St. Petersburg, FL, Ashlyn and Evan Auclair of St. Johns, FL.; one great-granddaughter on the way; four siblings, Judy Silva of Austin, TX, Michael and Jean Zona, Sr. of Plymouth, MA, Jeff and Debbie Zona of Plymouth, MA, and Robin Zona-Dillashaw of St. Petersburg, FL; and Nieces and Nephews throughout Florida and Massachusetts. 

Wayne was fun, he was the cool dad and Papa, made you laugh, and could talk an ear off. He was proud of his family and service to our country. The stories and memories will live in our hearts forever until we meet again.  

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or www.DAV.org. 

To view a Recording of the Service: CLICK HERE