Thomas W. Zaia

Thomas W. Zaia, 85, of East Peoria, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, while vacationing in Florida. He was born on December 23, 1937, in Teaneck, NJ, to Thomas, Sr. and Lavinia (Widony) Zaia. He married his wife of 64 years, Emily A. Noll, on May 2, 1959, at Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria; she survives.
He is also survived by his two brothers, Charles (Judy) McDonald of Jacksonville, FL and Bruce Sobut of Indian Rocks Beach, FL; his sister-in-law, Marilyn (Bud) Elward of Washington, IL; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tom served in the Air Force and worked for Lockheed Martin in the Missile, Space, and Radar Division for 4 years. He then returned home and worked in Service Engineering at Caterpillar for 40 years, until he retired.
He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church for over 65 years, serving as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Congregation, elder, trustee, and usher.
Tom and his wife loved boating and traveling together. He was a member of the Peoria Boat Club for 50 years, including 3 years as their Commodore and was a former President of the Jaycees. He was also an avid runner, completing 4 marathons.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria, with visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Carl Eckhoff will officiate. Inurnment with military rites will follow at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Gary Dieters Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family.
Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.