John Zaffis, often referred to as the "Godfather of the Paranormal," has dedicated over five decades to the study and investigation of paranormal phenomena. Zaffis's interest in the field began in his youth, largely influenced by his aunt and uncle, the renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren. Growing up under their mentorship, he gained invaluable insights and firsthand experience. The Warrens, famous for their investigations of high-profile cases such as the Amityville Horror and the Perron family haunting (which inspired The Conjuring series), provided a foundational knowledge that propelled Zaffis into his career. Additionally, John has worked with prominent exorcists Bishop Robert McKenna, Father Malachi Martin, and the Reverend Jun, along with other Roman Catholic priests, monks, Buddhists, rabbis, and ministers. He has also worked extensively with spiritualists and psychics to deepen his understanding.
John has appeared on numerous television shows and documentaries (Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, A Haunting in Connecticut, and more), sharing his expertise and recounting his experiences in the paranormal realm. He is perhaps best known for his own series, Haunted Collector, which aired on the Syfy channel from 2011 to 2013. The show followed Zaffis and his team as they investigated haunted locations and removed objects believed to harbor supernatural energy. Through the series, John educated viewers on the significance of these objects and their potential impact on the living.
Beyond television, Zaffis has curated his spectacular Museum of the Paranormal in Stratford, Connecticut. The museum houses a substantial collection of artifacts he has collected over the years, each with its own eerie backstory. Many items were either given to or sent to him by people wishing to be rid of them. The John Zaffis Paranormal Museum opened in 2004 in order to display these items and continues to be open today. The Museum serves as a resource for researchers and enthusiasts, providing a tangible connection to the world of the paranormal. John wrote and starred in the documentary film, Museum of the Paranormal, released in 2010, which gives the viewer a tour of his museum and the stories behind some of the objects.
Throughout his extensive career, Zaffis has authored books on demonology and the paranormal, contributing significantly to literature in the field. He has also co-authored two books with Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Demon Haunted and Haunted By The Things You Love, as well as co-authoring What Lurks Within (won Best Paranormal Award given by Paranormal Rewind) with Reverend Larry Elward and Debbie Elward. The three also wrote, When Spirits Speak…We Listen, Walking Between The Realms, and Trilogy Of Terror. All of which are available on Amazon. His work continues to be guided by the principles and methodologies imparted to him by Ed and Lorraine Warren, ensuring that their legacy in the study of the supernatural lives on.