Zakielarz Thomas "Tom" Joseph

Thomas Joseph "Tom" Zakielarz, 80, of Stanardsville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2019, after a prolonged illness. Tom was born on February 28, 1939, in Chester, Pa. to the late Joseph Jr. and Mary Zakielarz (Ridgik). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Cathy Perme'; his sister, Dorothy Schukraft; and his great-granddaughter, Lydia Rose Erickson. Tom moved to Ruckersville and later, Stanardsville, Va. in 1999, beginning his third career as a manager for Greene House Shops, an antique/gift mall in Greene County, Va. It is there that he met Gertrude, who quickly captured his heart and brought joy to each day throughout the rest of his life. He is survived by his loving partner, Gertrude Klink-Cox; as well as his children, Chris Zakielarz and his wife, Shari, Tina Stubbs and her husband, John, Tom Zakielarz and his wife, Sheila, Matt Zakielarz and his wife, Kirsten, and Maria Connerley and her husband, Jason. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Zakielarz and his wife, Dolores; his sister, Barbara Holmberg and her husband, Carl; and his sister, MaryJane Jackson. He also is survived by nine grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, numerous nieces and nephews, Gertrude's granddaughter who thought of him as a grandfather, and close friends, especially Truman and Carol Sharts. A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Hill & Wood Funeral Home Greene Chapel, 15075 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville, Va. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Tom's name to the Community Hospices of America Foundation (CHA) which supports the families served by Legacy Hospice. Contributions by mail can be sent to CHA Foundation, 500 Faulconer Drive, Suite 200, Charlottesville, VA 22903, or online at www.chafoundation.net/contribute-online. When contributing, please indicate Legacy Hospice so that the funds can be applied to their patients and families. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hillandwood.com.