John Ray Zuschlag passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 70.

John was born in Greenville, Pennsylvania on January 15, 1956 to Emery and Janet (Knapp) Zuschlag. He was raised in Greenville alongside two brothers, Richard and Tom, and one sister, Charlotte. It was no family secret that, as the youngest and “baby” of the family, he was his mother’s favorite, a fact that his father loved to share with anyone who would listen!

John moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, in 1976 to work for his brother Richard’s ambulance company where he began his career as a runner for the maintenance department while pursuing a degree in Nursing at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. At Acadian Ambulance, he worked his way up as a paramedic, dispatcher, district manager, and vice president before serving as executive vice president and CAO, a position he held until his retirement 44 years after joining the company.

In Louisiana, John met his former wife of 41 years, Pamela Comeaux, and raised two children, Justin and Carr. The family has fond memories of spending time together on their houseboat, named “Padlock,” in Henderson, Louisiana, traveling to Breckinridge, Colorado for an annual ski trip during Mardi Gras, and many Thanksgivings spent with his sister Charlotte in Pittsburgh, PA.

In his spare time, John enjoyed all sorts of hobbies, including playing the piano, singing in the church choir, snowboarding, shopping for clothing and accessorizing his wardrobe, exercising at Red Lerilles Health & Racquet Club, skydiving and waterskiing.

In his retirement, John rekindled his love of horseback riding and enjoyed spending time on his boat in Orange Beach, Alabama, as well as traveling the world on Viking river cruises with friends and family. John is survived by his sister: Charlotte, brother: Tom, children: Justin and Carr, former wife: Pam, as well as many family and friends both near and far. 

At the end of his life, John struggled with many physical and mental health challenges, but he will be remembered as a loving husband, supportive parent, devoted brother and son, dedicated co-worker and leader, and - to all who knew him - the life of the party.

Visitation will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church, 201 Church Street, Youngsville, LA on Tuesday, April 7 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne followed by a mass of Christian burial at 1:00 p.m.A private burial will take place at a later date in Greenville, Pennsylvania. No flowers or plants please. Memorial donations may be made online to the SAFE project, a nonprofit dedicated to overcoming the opioid epidemic in the U.S., or via mail to: 

Led by Grace 301 Sawgrass LaneBroussard, LA 70518