Frank James Zaviska Jr., 77, of Riverside died peacefully at home on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, surrounded by love and family. Born on June 21, 1947 in Chicago, the call of the Navy lured him to San Diego where he spent two years in active duty and five years in the Naval Reserves. When he came back to Chicago, he returned to college and completed his degree. He found a job, first, with INA, and then, with Fred S. James, before starting his own insurance brokerage company, F.J. Zaviska & Associates.
He married on Aug. 3, 1974, and after spending time building their careers, the couple moved to the suburbs and had three children. He spent many years of his children’s youth volunteering as a Little League coach and board member. This would lead to perfecting his expert color commentary while watching his grandchildren play many, many, many games of youth baseball and travel ball.
Frank was the son of Frank and Ethel, and big brother of James (Debbie). He was the husband of Melinda; father of Meghan (Zach), Matthew (Elicia) and Morgan (Joey); uncle of Alison, Ryan and Nick; and grandfather of McKenna, Maeve, Cian, Alizabeth, Kolby, Anton and Moira. He was a friend to many, a man of conviction, and his love and knowledge knew no bounds. His absence is noticeable and he is missed greatly.
A celebration of Frank’s life will begin with a visitation at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Dec. 23 at St. Paul VI Parish in Riverside.
If you are so inclined, a donation to your local library would be the best way to honor Frank, who was an avid reader and spent many an hour in his comfy chair turning the pages of numerous books.
