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Obituary for Thomas Joel ""Tom"" Zinza

Thomas Joel ""Tom""  Zinza
Thomas “Tom” Joel Zinza,
Feb. 5, 1966 ~ Feb. 17 2008

The remains of Thomas J. Zinza, who had been missing since February2008 were found and identified this October. Thomas was a disabled veteran who suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome.
Tom was born on February 5, 1966 in New York City to Paul and Beatrice Zinza and was the fourth of five sons. The Zinza family moved to Enfield, CT that same summer. He attended St. Martha’s and Prudence Crandall Schools, where he met his childhood schoolmates that would become lasting friends. During his youth Tom fell in love with fishing and hunting and had many good times with his father and brothers pursuing this love. During the mid 1970’s the Zinza family spent a couple memorable family vacations in New Hampshire’s lake region. It was about this time that Tom purchased a flying tying vice, which was the start of a lifelong passion for fly fishing and tying flies. He developed a strong work ethic as a newspaper delivery boy. During high school he started working at Bilton’s Fruit Farms in Somers and at Hallmark Cards. Tom always reflected back on the many lessons he learned on the farm. Upon graduating from Enrico Fermi High School in 1984 Tom enrolled into UCONN. He left college and joined the Marines where he served as a member of FAST Company in Panama and also Liberia. The Marines that Tom served with have many fond words to say about Tom, their Marine brother. After the Marines he enrolled in Eastern Connecticut State University (ESCU) and in 1994 graduated Magna Cum Laude. In 2000, Tom participated in a conference at ESCU on Human Rights that was organized by the Peace & Human Rights Committee. Tom spoke about the lack of government help for the mentally ill, based upon his personal experiences. Tom’s journey in life took him from Connecticut to Fairbanks, Alaska in 2001. He and his mom drove across Canada to reach Alaska. Tom was able to spend time fishing in Alaska and also focusing on his writings, which were about his life experiences.
During the winter of 2007/2008 Tom was making plans to be closer to his parents, family and Marine brothers. Tom left Alaska in February 2008 on his way east and became a missing person in western Pennsylvania. A two and half year search for Thomas and hope for his safe return were ended with the discovery of Thomas death this past October. Tom is survived by his parents, his brothers, Paul, James, John & his wife Lisa and Timothy & his wife Ginny, his step daughters Marilyn, Lindsey and Morgan, nieces and nephews Anna, Danika, Dawson & Cade. Tom was dearly loved and will be incredibly missed by family, friends and the Marine brothers whom he served with.
A Memorial Service will be at a later date to be announced. His family has requested memorial contributions in memory of Thomas Joel Zinza be made to Elkland Search and Rescue, 1230 Brusselles Street, Saint Mary’s PA 15857. For, the Elkland Search and Rescue selflessly gave their own resources to search for Thomas. Though they did not find Thomas in 2009, their efforts gave the family hope.
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