Tom was born in Detroit, MI, and lived in Dearborn, Livonia, and White Lake before moving to West Bloomfield. He attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School (Dearborn) and Wayne State University, and served in the US Navy Reserve during the Korean War. Tom loved riding around the lake on his pontoon boat and working around the house, and spent countless hours on Sudoku later in life. He had a successful career in the purchasing departments of several manufacturing firms. He was a long-term parishioner and usher at St. Patrick's Church (White Lake, MI). He was very active with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for over 50 years, helping to found The Open Door Outreach Center. Tom lived the saying, “Let’s compromise, we’ll do it my way” and he could be gruff, but his love and good intentions were always foremost in his actions. Tom will be remembered for his dedication to family, generosity, dependability, strong work ethic, and for hosting big family gatherings on the lake for the 4th of July.
Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Jean Zann (née Barbone), his siblings James Zann (Sharon), Richard Zann (MaryAnn), and Margaret Janks, by his children Mary Beth Eddy (Kevin) and Carolyn Wetzel (Paul). He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren Erin Eddy Lewis (David), Nicholas Eddy (Nicole), Georgina Wetzel, and Eva Wetzel. He is predeceased by his parents John Stanley Zann and Wilma Ella Zann (née Kelley) and sisters and brothers-in-law Patricia and Aubrey Allen and Marilyn and Thomas Diaz.
A memorial service and burial will take place at a future date. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Open Door Outreach Center (Waterford, MI) or the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
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