Thomas D. "Tom" Zavodny

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas D. "Tom" Zavodny on July 22, 2025, in Gilbert, AZ. His presence graced this world with love and laughter. Tom was born on March 2, 1939, to Emil and Leona (Fast) Zavodny in Lincoln, NE. His early years were spent on the family ranch milking cows and riding horses. He started school without knowing any English, speaking only Czech at home. After graduation, Tom enlisted in the Navy and spent his entire tour on the aircraft carrier, USS Bon Homme Richard, catching planes and building friendships that lasted throughout his 86 years. Following his discharge, he met and married the mother of his children. They settled in the front range of Colorado, and he began working at McCoy Company as a Caterpillar mechanic. He had a service truck and traveled throughout the mountains west of Denver repairing heavy equipment. Though they later divorced, Tom stayed in Colorado and moved to his beloved mountains. Tom became a fixture in the mining operations surrounding Silverthorne, Dillon, Leadville, and Kremmling. When he decided to start his own business, his customers followed. His expertise was second to none and he loved what he did. Tom also loved polka and it was at a dance where he met Elaine Wegele. They hit it off and soon married in July 1993. They spent much of their wedded bliss in the mountains near Silverthorne, Colorado with horses, dogs, an obstinate duck and frequent visits from the kids and grandkids. When Elaine's health required a drier climate, and a desire to be closer to family they packed up their belongings and headed to Gilbert. Tom's outgoing nature allowed him to quickly build a customer base in this new area, and they carved out another piece of the good life for their golden years. Tom's health challenges the last few years made it difficult for him to crawl over the big iron; and at 85, he finally hung up his wrenches and began to spend his time with family and friends, thumbing through memories of a life well-lived, and watching the rodeo channel. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dick and Bob, and son Eric T. He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine daughters Dawn and Monica, son Eric J, Grandchildren Trinity, Kaden, Colton, and Great-grandchildren Rosellia, Delaine, and Clark, his sister Betty, brothers Gerry and Larry. Though his absence is deeply felt, his spirit persists through every act of kindness and remembrance. We offer our farewells not as a conclusion, but with gratitude for a shared journey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society: https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en or Children's hunger, No Kid Hungry: https://www.nokidhungry.org/