Obituary of Thomas J Zambito

THOMAS J. ZAMBITO, SR. Thomas J. Zambito, Sr. died from cancer on August 9, 2016. Tom was born in 1937 in humble surroundings to an Italian American family in the Manhattan borough of New York City. He was a first generation American and the second of three sons born to Domenick and Mary Zambito. His parents were immigrants from Sicily. Tom graduated from Stuyvesant High School, and he married Patricia Rousseau on June 30, 1956 in a church in Manhattan. Patsy was a first generation Irish girl, and the marriage lasted for 57 years until her passing in 2014. They are survived by three children from the marriage, and three grandsons. Tom and Pat considered them all to be the glowing highlight of their lives. The children are Thomas J. Zambito, Jr. and Mary Zambito of New Jersey, and Michael Zambito of Falls Church, Virginia. Thomas Jr. works for Rutgers University while Mary is a Professional Counselor. Michael has served his country as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for 26 years. Upon graduation from Stuyvesant High School, Tom attended college at night while working full-time and serving his duty in the Army reserves. Tom attained his bachelor degree in Engineering from New York University. The family moved to Queens borough in New York City in 1963. Tom also played semi-professional football for several years for the New York Little Giants, and he received several Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. His strong heart and great courage enabled him to tackle many challenges. Tom received a major promotion in 1977 which included a move to the AT&T location in Piscataway, New Jersey. Tom worked at AT&T for a total of 28 years before retiring in 1988. He enjoyed a lengthy retirement while continuing to care for his family. He nurtured a painting practice which produced scores of landscapes, and some of these were sold to admiring patrons. During his years in New York City and in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Tom acquired numerous friends, and these friendships were a major highlight in his life. He was also a dedicated athlete who practiced his activities at the local YMCA. He provided complete care for his wife Pat when she contracted the ALS illness. They are now reunited to continue the love that began when they met in 1952 as young teenagers in high school in New York City. For further information, or to light an online condolence candle please visit Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home's website at www.gcfuneralhome.com