11/25/2025
John Patrick (Jack) Dambach
January 1, 1960 – November 21, 2025
John Patrick “Jack” Dambach, 65, of Homosassa, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on November 21, 2025, surrounded by the quiet love of the animals who meant the world to him.
Born on January 1, 1960, in Cleveland, Ohio, Jack was the son of the late Robert Dambach and Mary (Slattery) Dambach. One of 16 children in a big, Irish-Catholic family, Jack carried that same boundless heart with him to Florida, where he built a life filled with family, friends, and four-legged companions.
Jack was the kind of man who lit up every room he entered. Blessed with a wit so sharp it could make even the grumpiest person laugh out loud. His playful spirit and infectious joy were gifts he gave freely to everyone lucky enough to know him.
For many years Jack proudly owned and operated Florida Serpentarium, a beloved local landmark. He was also the founder of Tokayx, a private research and breeding company dedicated to rare geckos and albino turtles—creatures he adored almost as much as his dogs. Jack possessed a special gift for engaging audiences, enchanting both adults and children with his reptile and animal shows at parks across Florida. At the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Jack presented daily educational animal shows that delighted thousands of visitors and, for a number of years, served as the primary handler and trusted friend to Lucifer the hippo. The two 1960 babies shared an extraordinary bond until Lucifer’s passing earlier this year, both were born on January 1st, 1960, and both passed in 2025 at age 65.
His own two best friends on earth, his dogs Frank and Jillian, were constant companions and the undisputed loves of his life—faithful shadows who greeted him every morning and curled up beside him every night.
He is survived by his devoted mother, Mary Dambach, and his loving siblings: Mary Patricia Coreno, Ann Bouterse, Judy P*k, Margaret Koelliker, William Dambach, Timothy Dambach, Bonnie O’Neill, David Dambach, Joan Potter, Michael Dambach, Nancy Barnes, James Dambach, and Colleen Nalette, along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, Robert Dambach, and his brothers Robert Dambach and Joseph Dambach.
Jack lived a gentle, generous life. He never met a dog he didn’t love, and every dog knew they had a forever friend in Jack—especially Frank and Jillian, who were his heart walking on four paws.
A private family gathering will be held in his memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal rescue or shelter in Jack’s name, or simply give an extra treat and a belly rub to a dog you love—Jack would like that best.
Rest easy, Jack. Frank and Jillian will be waiting for you at the bridge, tails wagging.
Brown Funeral Home and Crematory in Lecanto, Florida in charge of arrangements.
