John Zaby belonged to UCLA Hall of Fame

DOWNEY - Longtime Downey resident John Zaby passed away Nov. 19. He was 95.Zaby was born in Dallas, Tex., and was the seventh child of 14 children. He moved to California in 1919 where he worked in his family's market in Los Angeles. After graduating from Jefferson High School, he enrolled at UCLA where he lettered in three sports: football, boxing and baseball, earning the title of "Undisputed Homerun King." Zaby was later inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame. Zaby was a teacher in the Paramount Unified School District for 30 years. He is survived by his children, Marieann Vassar, Biaggio Zaby, Maureen and Curtis Byyny; grandchildren, Alicia and Nick Brundy, John and Heather Zaby, Matt Vassar, Everett and Tiffany Vassar; and six great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty June Zaby.

********** Published: November 27, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 32