Cornelius Thomas Zak

Cornelius Thomas “Tom” Zak, 91, of Washington, died Wednesday, September 9, 2009, in VA Medical Center, Oakland. He was born February 17, 1918, in Pittsburgh, a son of Henry and Stella Suchecki Zak. During World War II, Mr. Zak served with the United States Army Air Forces as an airplane propeller mechanic. While stationed in the Pacific Theater, he was involved in campaigns in the Northern Solomons and in New Guinea. For his service, he was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze service stars, the American Defense Service Ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on August 27, 1945, with a rank of Technical Sergeant. Mr. Zak worked at Brockway for 30 years and at American Screw in Hartford, Connecticut. He also owned and operated a brick delivery service for several years. Mr. Zak was a member of St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church, Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion, and Washington Senior Citizens Center, where he was a past volunteer of the year and had managed the pool room for more than ten years. He was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed boxing. On April 14, 1945, he married Josephine Ann Grudi, who died August 23, 1994. Surviving are a daughter, Joanne Hott of Washington, with whom he made his home; a grandson, Joel David (Molly) Hott; and several nieces and nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law. Deceased are a brother, Frank Zak; two sisters, Victoria Staub and Helen Koster, who raised him from age 13 when his mother died; and a son-in-law, Wayne Hott. Friends will be received on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where a blessing service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 12th, with Father O’Neil officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Senior Citizens Center, 69 West Maiden Street, Washington PA 15301.