Johnny Zamrzla, a roofing industry legend affectionately known as "Johnny Z," passed away on April 9 at the age of 86.

Zamrzla was president and owner of Western Pacific Roofing in Palmdale, Calif. He was actively involved in the roofing and waterproofing industry since 1957. According to the company's website, Western Pacific Roofing was the first contractor in Southern California and the seventh in the United States to qualify and be accepted into the Academy of Accredited Roofing Contractors.

Zamrzla also served as vice president for RoofConnect, an organization born out of the needs of building owners looking for a nationwide, single-source roofing organization. The group has since become a national network of several hundred roofing contractors, with partner revenue reported at over $1 billion annually.

According to the Western States Roofing Contractors Association, Zamrzla was instrumental in shaping the association. In 1999, he was honored with induction into the WSRCA Hall of Fame, a testament to his lifelong commitment to elevating the industry. 

“We are deeply saddened to hear of Johnny Zamrzla’s passing," said Kris Hitesman, the current WSRCA president, in an email sent to WSRCA members. "Johnny was a true icon of Western States and the roofing industry as a whole. His leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment helped shape the foundation of our association and inspired generations of roofing professionals.

"We feel incredibly fortunate that Johnny was able to join us at our 50th Western Roofing Expo this past September," Hitesman added. "His presence, stories, and spirit made the milestone all the more meaningful."

Photo courtesy of the WSRCA

In addition to the WSRCA, Zamrzla was part of the National Roofing Contractors Association, where he served as past president and worked on the Advisory Council. He received the NRCA’s highest honor, the J.A. Piper Award, in 1984. He served as a two-time Congressional appointee to White House Conference on Small Business and was chairman of the Coalition for Quality Affordable Housing starting in 1997.

Other roofing groups and associations Zamrzla participated in include the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCAC), the Associated Builders and Contractors Association of Southern California, and served on the Board of Regents for the Roofing Industry Educational Institute. The RCAC inducted him into their Hall of Fame for his contributions.

"While Johnny's professional accomplishments are nearly too numerous to list and speak volumes about his leadership and dedication, it is the man behind those achievements who will be remembered most fondly," the WSRCA said in a memorial email. "Johnny’s warmth, integrity, and unwavering support for his peers left a lasting impression on everyone privileged to know him."

According to the Western Pacific Roofing website, Zamrzla's leadership and philanthropy extended outside of roofing, including serving as president of the Showdown Rodeo, California Circuit Finals Rodeo. He also served on the boards of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade, Antelope Valley Sheriff’s Boosters, and the Antelope Valley Hospital Foundation.