Mr. Jack E. Zefo, 92, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 9:18 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Allure of Lake Storey in Galesburg.
He was born April 23, 1933, in Galesburg to Tony and Elizabeth (Morissey) Zefo. On May 27, 1967, he married Fae R. Albright in Galesburg, and the two shared 45 years of marriage before her passing.
Jack is survived by three sons, Danny (and Evon) Zefo of Galesburg, Richard Zefo of Galesburg, and David (and Peggy) Martinez of Galesburg; a daughter, Christine Martinez of Galesburg a stepdaughter, Mardena Scott of Monmouth, Illinois; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a stepdaughter, Marlene Zefo, in 2016; four brothers, Robert “Bob” Zefo, William “Gabby” Zefo, Tony Zefo, and Joseph Zefo; and two sisters, Betty Owen and Patricia Morris.
Jack graduated from Costa High School in 1952. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years and was stationed on the USS Iowa. After his military service, he built a long and respected career as a plumber and pipefitter with the Local Union #25, working for several contractors throughout the Galesburg region. He retired on January 1, 2003.
A dedicated member of his community, Jack belonged to the American Legion Post #285 and the Elks Lodge #894. He enjoyed bowling, deer hunting, and fishing, and he cherished the time spent pursuing these hobbies with family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel, with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. Military rites will be conducted afterward at the chapel by the Knox County Honor Guard. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
