Jack Rezabek, 83, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2026. Born on December 6, 1942, in East Cleveland, Ohio, he graduated from R. B. Chamberlain High School in 1960. He attended Kent State University from 1960-1964 and graduated with a BS in Political Science. He also attended the Graduate Program in Public Management Science at Western Reserve University 1964-1966.

After college, he joined the US Navy on 16 November 1966, and spent over three years in the Republic of Vietnam aboard the Hospital Ship, USS Repose. He served as a Yeoman in the Engineering Department aboard the ship, performing office administration, and later in Personnel, handling enlisted personnel matters and updating service records.

From Vietnam he transferred to Ft Knox, Kentucky, followed by Fort Monroe, Virginia. He received the following ribbon and medals: Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze and one Silver Star.

Following his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Jack was employed at Fort Monroe Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) from October 1967 to January 1998, working in Civilian Personnel Training as a Supply Technician and Employee Development Specialist, receiving many letters of appreciation and numerous awards.

He continued to honor the military throughout his life. He attended many military honors and celebrations, frequently attending Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July events and the laying of wreaths at Hampton’s VA Cemetery. At a funeral of a Veteran, he would always render a military salute.

Jack never met a stranger. When he met you, he considered you a friend for life.

Always eager to share his faith with all, his love of the Lord was infectious. He was an active member at Wesley United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years: he led the prayer group until the time of his death, led the Men’s Bible Study twice a month, attended Sunday School and Worship each Sunday he possibly could, and helped lead the Adopt-a-Spot litter clean-up ministry for many years. He joyfully served the Lord in numerous ways at Wesley, but prayer was his gift.

Jack considered everyone at Wesley UMC his family, and was well loved in return. His jovial personality, warm spirit, and storytelling made him a true treasure.

He had many hobbies, including metal detecting, stamp and coin collecting, and keeping our City of Hampton as clean as possible at elementary schools and churches in the area. He also volunteered at events for the local military community, and was a bellringer for the Salvation Army.

Jack was a member of Toastmasters International, beginning in 1980. He spoke at Thomas Nelson Community College (now Virginia Peninsula Community College) with students attending his Future Business Leaders of America Spring Leadership Conference. Jack enjoyed Volksmarches and had many pins to show his involvement with the groups. He was also a member of Hampton Roads Recovery Society Metal Detector Club, Hampton Clean City Commission, and the National Association of Federal Employees (NARFE).

A Celebration of Life will take place at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2510 N Armistead Ave, Hampton, on Wednesday, November 4, at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Rev. Kerry Greenhill, Pastor, will preside.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Wesley United Methodist Church, The Salvation Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Toastmasters International or a charity of your choice.