Tony Zawhorodny

ZAWHORODNY, Tony , known professionally as "Tony Z" went to join other musicians to take his rightful place as the lead drummer in God's band. Tony was born in Waynesboro, Va. in November 1953 to Ukrainian parents who came to this country some years earlier. Tony passed away Monday morning March 6, after enjoying his final two hockey games with his wife at the Norfolk Scope. Tony is survived by his wife of 28 years, Iwanna; brother, Nick (Sherry) (Waynesboro); and sister, Linda McCutcheon (Greenwood). He will also leave behind his stepchildren, Paula J. Thornton and William R. Thornton (Amanda); stepgrandson, Billy Newell; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins in the Waynesboro area. He was preceded in death by his father, Mykola "Nick" Zawhorodny; his mother, Maria Zawhorodny; older brother, Borys "Bob" Zawhorodny; and stepdaughter, Angelique Walker Venable.

Tony graduated from Waynesboro High School in the class of 1972. The following year he was drafted for a tour in Vietnam. He served as a radio telephone operator in Vietnam and was discharged in January 1974.

Music played a major role in Tony's life starting with his first drums at age four and as a drummer he played many different styles including country, blues and rock'n'roll. He played with numerous people, too many to mention, but I'm listing a few, The Modsmen, Wee Willie and the Soul Shakers, Box Car Poodle, Blues Rangers (Ranger Guyton), Original Cross Starrs (George and Renee Bond), The Against the Wind Band, Dr. John, Garrison Brothers Band, Dexter Ridenour, Tony Turner, Jerry Olgers, Jerry Butler, Billy Hancock, Tommy Bryant, Danny Brizendine, Brent Small, and special guitarist friend, John Brugh. He played at numerous Moose Lodges, VFW's and bars in Virginia as well as other locations on the East Coast. He also leaves behind a host of friends at the Lakeside Tavern where he enjoyed many pool games.

Viewing will be held at Bliley's – Staples Mill 8510 Staples Mill Road on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 12 to 1 p.m. Graveside burial immediately following viewing at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Ave. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lakeside Rescue Squad 2007 Timberlake Ave., Richmond, Va. 23228.