Musician John Condon passed away on March 29, 2023 at the age of 74 after his battle with Alzheimer’s. He was surrounded by loving family, listening to Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven, and  holding both his twin daughter’s hands when he passed. He was still making jokes and communicating his love to family and singing to his children, just days before.

John was born January 11, 1949 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to his parents John (Jack) Condon and Geraldine (Jill) Zillessen. Jack and Jill. He was the third child of six children. John’s father was a colonel in the army, so he grew up moving many times with his family. He went to three kindergartens and five high schools in New Jersey and Europe.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Michael Condon. He is survived by his wife, Christine Zillig Condon, his sisters, Katrina Condon Dugan and Jennifer Condon Korona, his brothers, Christopher Condon and Peter Condon, and his children, Alexander Condon, Cassandra Condon, and Jessica Condon Pacheco.

He received a bachelor of arts degree in humanities from Southern Illinois University . After attending Woodstock in 1969, he moved to Florida to be with his family and to help run Toppertown, Inc. in Cocoa, the family business that his parents started in 1971. After managing for 44 years, John retired in 2017 and in 2022 after 50 years in business, son Alexander became the 3rd Generation owner.

Always an out-of-the-box thinker, one of his accomplishments was building a geodesic dome in 1980.This was ultimately where he met his wife of 37 years, Christine, and raised their three children together. Many knew of John Condon’s famous pink dome! John met Christine at his Halloween Party where John was the “John Balushi” killer bee from Saturday Night Live, and Christine was Princess Leia from Star Wars. They were married 99 days later.

John was known for his fun-loving and loud personality, bringing laughter and good music anywhere he went. He played locally with numerous bands over the years, making many great friends along the way. He was the kind of man who would go out of his way to help anyone and had a knack of bringing people together, usually with a great party.

He was a true musician, and could sing and play guitar and harmonica in multiple bands over the years including: “Knee Deep” in the early 80’s, “Group Therapy” in ’83, “Pyramid” in ‘85, “Hot Relish” played locally for over 15 years, “Space Fish” played locally for 4 years, “Lunar Trio” more recently played at his 70th birthday party at the Snug Pub eatery in Cocoa. Over 100 friends and family attended!

John was a pillar of the Community and  was involved in the Cocoa Business Alliance, Planning and Zoning Board of Cocoa, and the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce,  on the Board of Directors and Chamber Seafest Committee member, where he hired bands and played on stage during Seafest for many years.

He was a wonderful, loving husband to Christine, and a fun and caring father to their children, Alex, Cassie and Jessie.

A “delicate flower” in his own words but courageous in his convictions. John’s quick wit, quirky humor, kindness, love, and steadfast friendship will be remembered by so many.