02/03/2026
Thomas A. Zuzzio, 79, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family and a life well lived.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, and 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Santa Claus, Indiana. A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday February 4th, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, with Fr. Ron Kreilein officiating.
In conclusion of the visitation and mass in Indiana, services in Kansas will include a Rosary at 9:45 a.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with a prayer service to follow. Burial with military honors presented by the Brown-Bishop VFW Post 704 will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.
Tom was born on October 4, 1946, in Parsons, Kansas, to Anthony J. “Tony” and Eileen M. (Roskob) Zuzzio. From the very beginning, Tom’s life was shaped by strong family bonds, hard work, and a deep love of community—values he carried with him throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Toni Michelle Zuzzio, and his grandson Theodore Rhoades.
A 1964 graduate of Chetopa High School, Tom was a true all-around athlete, participating in football, track, basketball, and baseball. Sports were not just a pastime for him—they were a way to connect, to teach, and to lead. He continued playing basketball at Parsons Junior College before completing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Pittsburg State University. On April 4, 1968, Tom joined the Army Reserve, beginning a lifelong example of service and dedication.
On July 6, 1968, Tom married the love of his life, Mary Vanmiddlesworth. Together, they built a marriage rooted in commitment, laughter, and family, spanning over 57 years and countless memories.
Tom’s professional life reflected his strong leadership, integrity, and work ethic. His career with B.F. Goodrich moved the family to many places—Miami, Oklahoma; Salem, Indiana; Marietta, Ohio; St. Charles, Illinois; and Bloomington, Indiana—where he held roles ranging from Industrial Engineer to Plant Manager. His ability to lead with both confidence and care earned him the respect of colleagues wherever he went.
He later joined Carlisle Syntec , serving as Plant Manager in Greenville, Illinois, before being promoted to Vice President of Operations in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Tom retired in 1999, but retirement didn’t slow him down. He continued consulting for several companies, ending his professional journey at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Eventually, Tom and Mary settled in Santa Claus, Indiana, where he fully embraced retirement.
Tom was an active member of the Catholic Church, the Corvette Club, and the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree. A lifelong car enthusiast, he loved his own personal cars almost as much as he loved a good joke—and he always had one ready. Above all, Tom cherished time with his family. He especially loved fishing and patiently teaching his grandchildren how to cast a line, coaching his children, golfing, boating, playing cards, camping, traveling, watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, and volunteering in the community. He was also an avid investor, always involved with the stock market and engaged with the world around him while sharing what he learned with family and friends.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Zuzzio; his children, Stephanie (Kevin) Scheffel of Edwardsville, IL, Zachary (Michelle) Zuzzio of Lake in the Hills, IL, Charles (Sunshine) Zuzzio of Indianola, WA, Anthony (Carri) Zuzzio of Brownsburg, IN, Jaclyn (Matthew) Rhoades of Denver, PA, and Kirstin Zuzzio (Joshua Zarnoth) of Brownsburg, IN; his siblings, Nancy (Mike) Hahn of Bartlett, KS, Cindy (Russell) Briggs of Derby, KS, and Ted (Karen) Zuzzio of Baldwin, KS; and his 14 grandchildren, who brought him endless pride and joy: Tree Zuzzio, Riley Scheffel, Zoe Zuzzio, A.J. Scheffel, Reagan Scheffel, Zachary Zuzzio, Jr., Matlyn Rhoades, Penelope Zuzzio, Mary Ann Rhoades, Jacob Zuzzio, Benjamin Zuzzio, Oliver Zuzzio, Austyn Rhoades, and Anthony Zuzzio.
