ST. LOUIS, MO -- John Zisser Sr. of Zisser Tire Co., passed away Feb. 14. He was 84.

A longtime resident of Kirkwood, MO, Zisser was born in Austria and his family immigrated to the United States when he was three years old. He graduated from McKinley High School and went on to earn a degree in business at Washington University.

Zisser honorably served his adopted country as a Captain in the Marine Corps during both World War II and the Korean War. John, Sr. was also a golden glove boxer. He initially retired in 1984 after 30 years with BF Goodrich Tire Co. Along with his son, John Zisser Jr., he founded Zisser Tire Company, Inc. in St. Louis, MO. In 1994, Zisser Tire became a stockholder in Del-Nat, an independent tire-buying group. Zisser retired for good in the mid 1990's. John Zisser, Jr. continues to operate the company.

John, Sr., was laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Feb. 16 with full a full military honor guard. Among John Zisser, Sr.'s survivors are his wife of 60 years, Audrey Zisser, four sons and one daughter. Mike, Susan, John Jr., Mark, Steve and three grandchildren.