Obituary: Thomas Zarbo

Thomas Zarbo of Grand Island went to be with our Lord on Jan. 18, 2021.

The loving husband of 64 years of Elisabeth, he is the father of Mark (Deborah) Zarbo, Heidi (Steve) Fritschi and Elisabeth Zarbo; and grandfather of Mark (Emily), Matthew (Erin) and Joseph Zarbo, Heather (Kristofer) Sarik, Stephanie (Jeff) Kincaid, Eric (Selena) Calway and late grandson Zachary Zarbo. He is the great-grandfather of Riley Kincaid and Luca Zarbo.

Tom had an adventurous and fun-loving spirit. He loved to talk about his service in the U.S. Air Force as an information specialist stationed in Nome, Alaska. His Air Force training helped formed his future shining careers as a photographer at the Buffalo News, newsreel camera specialist for then WBEN Channel 4 (WIVB-TV), and public relations for Bell Aerospace, Mennen Medical and Tops Markets. As a press photographer and cameraman, Tom covered many interesting events, celebrities and earned numerous public relation awards.

A past membership chairman for the Industrial Audio-Visual Association, Tom also performed outstanding civic service. Activities included his dedication to the Boy Scouts, serving as Scoutmaster and on the Tonawanda District Scout Council; as well as past president of the Grand Island Lyons Club and the Grand Island Taxpayers Association. Tom was recognized by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce as Civic Citizen of the Year.

In addition, he loved camping, woodworking, old cars, playing pranks and telling corny jokes. Tom was a lifelong member of Grand Island Trinity Church. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Zachary Zarbo Memorial Fund, c/o Financial Trust FCU, 2014 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY. 14072.

Share condolences at www.kaiserfuneral.com.