Gloribel Zernick

This love story between Glory and Tom Zernick began at a time when Tom was motivated by his father Emil into going back to church.

Following this pep talk with his dad, Tom entered a local church for the first time in a while. Looking for his seat, Tom noticed a stranger with a Notre Dame shirt which prompted him to sit down. After befriending this man named John, he got to know him and his wife Melissa over the coming weeks and randomly ended up on the same flight with them.

On that flight, they asked Tom if he was ready to start dating again after a divorce, and that they had the perfect person for him. Tom said yes to getting set up with this “special woman,” who indeed was Glory … who became the love of his life.

Tom often pondered, If this isn’t Divine Intervention, then what is?

Glory was proudly born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she eventually got her master’s degree and began a career in the pharmaceutical field. Before long, she followed her brother Miguel and best friend Maru from Puerto Rico to Florida, where she spent the last decade of her life.

Upon leaving the pharmaceutical industry, Glory started an online jewelry business called Chic N Casual, where she had a tremendous following doing what she loved. Glory often named items in her store after those she loved. There was a Kristen set and Chelsea set (named after their daughters), an Anita set (sister-in-law) and even a Thomas set. This special touch showed how much family meant to her.

When Glory passed and went to Heaven, Tom decided to donate her jewelry inventory to a local youth organization in St. Petersburg that runs its own business, similar to a farmers’ market, for educational purposes and profit.

Glory not only had a tremendous love for Tom, but for her mom Gloria, father Pipe, family members and a really intense love for animals, including her lovable Teacup Yorkies CoCo and Chanel and her very chill rescue cat Onyx. Tom always said those were her kids that she brought into their marriage.

Pipe, who raised Glory as his own child from age seven, was most definitely her father figure in life. It was not uncommon for Glory to talk to her parents several times per day.

As far as her loving, close relationship with her husband, Glory and Tom enjoyed traveling to their favorite Caribbean destinations and other cities, including trips to South Bend, Indiana, to visit Tom’s aunts, uncles, siblings and father, especially during Emil’s own battle with cancer.

Glory and Tom loved their beautiful home in St. Pete Beach on the water, taking advantage of many memorable walks on the sand and watching the awesome sunsets daily. She had a tremendous love for the oceans of the world. They also celebrated their wedding in St. Pete Beach on the Gulf on May 17, 2019.

In closing, Tom said Glory was simply the nicest person he has ever met; a total sweetheart. In fact, he always felt great comfort being in the same room with her. Glory also was smart, combining her beautiful looks with a beautiful smart mind. Glory was Tom’s cheerleader for everything in his life.

“She was a kind-hearted person who would give you the shirt off her back.”

Glory passed into heaven on her favorite day, Three Kings Day on January 6, considered the most significant religious holiday in Puerto Rico. On the date commemorating the Three Wise Men visiting baby Jesus, Tom prayed with Glory to follow the Kings.

Glory is survived by her loving husband Tom Zernick; Pipe Diaz (father who raised her from age seven); Gloria Crespo (mom); Miguel (brother) and Lourdes (wife); Christian and Jonathan (nephews); Kristen and Chelsea Zernick (daughters); Lucy Zernick (granddaughter); Miguel DeJesus (biological father) and his wife Mary and of course, her lovable pets CoCo, Chanel and Onyx.

Please send donations to St. John Vianney Catholic Church (445 82nd Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706) or to Suncoast Hospice Care Center South Pinellas (701 6th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701).

Glory’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, on St. Pete Beach. More details to follow.