John Joseph Waszak

John Joseph Waszak, 87, stepped from Corrales into eternity on December 23, 2024. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 16, 1937 to Joseph Jack and Helena Neeld Waszak.

 He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jean Waszak, three children, one step son, 10 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. His children are Krysteen Waszak and David Waszak (Erika Jorgensen) of Albuquerque, and daughter, Mary Lynn Huston of Lantana, Florida. His stepson is Shannon Jackson (Elizabeth) of Flower Mound, Texas. His grandchildren are Helena Gates, Madeline and Julianne Waszak, Bryan, Bradley, Brittany and Marcus Huston, Alexander, Nikolas and Brian Jackson. He is also survived by a sister, Janet King, a brother Joel Waszak (Martha), sister-in law, Kathy Blackmon, brothers-in law, Jim Blackmon (Sarah) and David Blackmon. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joanne Telliard.

 John was raised Catholic but recently attended Paradise Hills United Methodist church where he found peace and had many friends. He was a proud member of the Lobo Club and was known for his contributions to Corrales MainStreet as well as financial donations to many charities. 

 John grew up in Cleveland, Ohio as a superior athlete who lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He spent two years at Miami University in Ohio on a football scholarship, then two years in the US Army where he continued his athletic pursuits by representing U.S. athletes in Germany. During that time he expanded his endeavors to include semi-pro boxing which he said scared him more than anything else in life. 

 He married, had three children, left the army, returned to Cleveland and spent a brief time with the Cleveland Browns which afforded him life-long bragging rights for having tackled Jim Brown. 

 John came from an artistic family and his artistry served him well as an art collector and notable home remodeling contractor. After a divorce he moved to New Mexico bringing two of his three teenagers with him. One hot afternoon while working construction, he wandered into a little grocery store in Corrales to buy ice cream and he met Jean. He was the handsomest man she’d ever seen. Their dogs brought them together. They married and struggled to manage their two business and four children (three of his, one of hers). He gave up his construction career to help save her struggling store. Together they built the Frontier Mart, a tiny little institution that lasted 44 years in the heart of Corrales.

 If you knew John, you’ve heard him brag about his children and grandchildren who are, of course, superior to all others. Though he retired and sold his business in 2020, he never stopped reading grocery ads and shopping bargains. He also never stopped remodeling their home which stands as a monument to his artistry.

 If you knew John, you also know that he always spoke his mind, and no topic was off the table. He spoke from the heart. He could offend everyone in the room, or he could speak love in a way that soothed any crisis and brought tears to your eyes. 

 There’s a sad, empty hole in our hearts for this big man who loved, beyond reason, his friends, his store, his art, his community, and, most of all, his family. 

 On Sunday, January 26 all will gather at Mulas in Corrales from 3-5pm to share stories and celebrate John’s life. Please RSVP to 505-280-8000. 

 On Monday, January 27 at 10am, memorial services will be held at Daniels Family Mortuary, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho. Following, at 1 pm, he will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Donations in his honor may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital, St Joseph’s Indian School, or The Wounded Warrior Project.