I will always remember Tom with the greatest of respect. He was truly a great man.
 |
 |
Thomas N. Zelina, Sr., age 83, a long-time Erie resident, passed away at Hamot Medical Center on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 after a brief illness.
Born on June 9, 1924 in Youngstown, OH, he was the son of the late John and Helen Zelina. He served during World War II in the U.S. Army and was decorated with the Bronze Star for his heroic actions during battle. Thomas was a partner and owner of Alps Manufacturing Company for over 42 years. retiring in 2000. He was a member of the Ludlow Sportsman’s Club and Ludlow American Legion. He enjoyed dancing, gardening and his beloved dog Pepe. Tom was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann E. Zelina; a grandson, Nicholas Gabel; three sisters, Helen Severna, Margaret Reich and Emily Kutsko; and two brothers, John and Frank Zelina. He is survived by his sons, Thomas Nicholas Zelina, Jr. and wife Judy, Richard Zelina and wife Patty, and Ron Zelina and friend Felicia Kotoski, all of Erie; his daughters, Janice Lehman and husband James, and Denise and her companion Ed Moffat, all of Erie; a brother, William B. Zelina, of Edinboro, PA; 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Friends called at the Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Boulevard, Friday, February 22nd, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and attended services there on Saturday at 9:20 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Church at 10 o’clock. Burial in Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2115 West 38th St., Erie, PA 16508-1999.
|
Bruce Baldwin |
Every American owes his or her freedom to courageous and outstanding men men like Thomas N Zelina, Sr. We must keep him and all those brave soldiers who have sacrificed in the service of our country in our hearts and memories for as long as we live as a free people. |
|
Bruce Baldwin |
I have built this memorial to honor the memory of Thomas N. Zelina, Sr. If a family member would like to assume guardianship of this memorial so that more photos or photo albums can be added and the content further personalized it would be my great honor to turn it over to his or her guardianship. My hope is that this memorial for a genuine American hero should become a permanent part of the living history of the Erie community on the community pages at Americasmemorials.com. If a family member objects to this memorial I will remove it immediately. Please contact me at bbaldwin@americasmemorials.com to let me know your wishes. |
|
Norma Meyer Coan |
The Soldier Poem. I was that which others did not want to be.
|