Joseph "JR" Zales

Joseph Zales ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Tampa Cremation & Burial Services on Mar. 7, 2026.Zales, Joseph "JR", age 74, born August 12, 1951, of Cape Coral, FL, formerly Lyndhurst, NJ passed away on February 25th at the Tampa General Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit.Born and raised in Maywood, NJ, graduating from Hackensack High School.He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Elizabeth Zales and his brother, Rodney Zales.Joseph is survived by his son, Joseph Preston Braswell (spouse Amanda Braswell); siblings Roseanne Zales and Darlene Zales-Russamano; Nephews Jordan Zales (spouse Gillian Zales), Christopher Zales and Rocco Russamano. Niece Natalie Russamano (spouse Chris Rehonic), grandchild Ryan Joseph Braswell and great nieces Zoey and Ellie Zales.JR was a generous and fun-loving individual who was always the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He had a passion for golf, the Dallas Cowboys, traveling, Italian food, and sunshine. And if there wasn't sunshine, JR would bring it with his warm, larger-than-life personality. As a contractor, he took great pride in working with his hands, building homes, and sharing his knowledge with everyone around him. He wasn't the life of the party - he was the party. A phenomenal brother, father, uncle, grandfather, granduncle and friend who played each role beautifully. His light shined bright into the lives of everyone around him, and most of all, through each of his actions, he loved his family deeply.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.