Honor Mission
Joseph C. Zona
United States Navy
Cold War Era Veteran
Rochester, NY - 02-21-2026
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 1, Region 2
About the Mission:
Joseph C. Zona's family has asked Patriot Guard Riders to honor his military service and celebrate his life at calling hours and his memorial service. Mr. Zona passed on 20 January 2026 at the age of 61 years.
Mr. Zona was a U.S. Navy, Cold War veteran, who served from 1983-1989. During those years, Mr. Zona became a Gunners Mate (GM) and achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class (PO2). He served in the Special Boat Unit 20 (now Special Boat Team 20) out of Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek - Fort Stony, Virginia and on the nuclear-powered, guided missile, cruiser USS South Carolina. Of his six years and two months active duty, Mr. Zona spent three years, eleven months at sea.
Petty Officer Second Class Joseph C. Zona was awarded: U.S. Navy Expeditionary Medal, U.S. Navy Good Conduct Medal, U.S. Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, U.S. Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/two Bronze Stars and a U.S. Navy Rifle Marksman Ribbon – M‑14.
Mr. Zona's on line obituary can be found by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
02-21-2026 at 12:30pm
Staging Location:
New Comer Funeral Home
2636 Ridgeway Avenue
Rochester, NY 14626
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Bruce Forsyth
201-602-0938
Special Information:
12:30 pm: PGR members will form a quiet and respectful flag line at the entrance to the funeral home in anticipation of the family arriving for calling hours at about that time. We will hold the flag line until approximately 4:00 pm when services are expected to begin inside the funeral home. 4:00pm: Participate in rendering honors with the military honor guard either outside, or inside the funeral home based on the number of participants. The mission will conclude with the completion of honors. There is no escort or cemetery presence with this Honor Mission.
Please come prepared with a clean, 3x5, US Flag, or U.S. Navy Flag. Dress for the weather as we will be outside for the calling hours and probably outside for the rendering of military honors. Please bring your own water. Thank you for taking the time to honor Mr. Zona's service and to support his loving family.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
bruce forsyth
rs 02/12; MER
