Thomas P. Zekos

Thomas P. Zekos, 81, died Monday, October 6th surrounded by his family after succumbing to a battle with cancer.

He leaves his devoted wife of 51 years, Thelma E. (Caragian) Zekos; his daughter, Lynne A. Zekos and her husband Joseph Trotta of Shrewsbury; two sons, Peter C. Zekos of Shrewsbury and Paul T. Zekos of Worcester; his brother Gregory Zekos and his wife Maria of Holden; six grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A daughter-in-law Janet A. (Kruczynski) Zekos predeceased him.

He was born in a small Greek village in Albania April 7th, 1927, the son of Spyridon and Aphrodite (Economou) Zekos. He arrived at Ellis Island with his mother and grandmother in 1929.

Mr. Zekos graduated from Commerce High School, Worcester Junior College, and the Ollis Academy of Cosmetology. Tom will be remembered as a family man who always had his children's best interests at heart. He loved and adored his grandchildren, Stephanie and Joseph Kamataris, Paul Trotta, Elena and Nicholas Zekos, and his namesake Thomas Zekos were the light of his life. Tom was fun loving and outgoing; he was known for his quick wit and never ran out of "one-liners." He found it easy to strike up a conversation and always had a humorous story certain to create a belly laugh. He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of World War II and often joked about how he could not swim. Tom had a strong work ethic and was an extraordinary salesman. As a child, he worked as a shoe shine boy to help support his family. He operated a number of small businesses in the area and in the early part of his career was national sales manager for Stroll-O-Chair baby furniture. Later, he owned Hair Technique and took a particular interest in those experiencing hair loss from illness. He continued working into his late 70's in his son Paul's auction business.

Mr. Zekos was active in many philanthropic and public service organizations including Kiwanis, St. Spyridon Parish Council, and AHEPA, Peter Bell Chapter. He was a Democratic activist and candidates often sought his advice and counsel.

Mr. Zekos served as president and vice president of the Worcester County Deputy Sheriff's Association for Sheriff's Deignan, Herman, Flynn, and Glodis. Tom found it especially gratifying to help those less fortunate than himself; the Sheriff's Association afforded him that pleasure.

His funeral service will be held Friday, October 10th at 11:00 A.M. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 34 Gold Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements.

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