Thomas Zajac passed away at home on November 17, 2025, on the same street his family has resided since 1950. He was born in Utica on April 23, 1944. Tom went to VVS and then on to Alfred University where he earned a degree in ceramic engineering, later serving in the US Army as a code breaker while stationed in Germany. Upon returning to Vernon, he worked for the USPS and managed the Yellowstone Lodge restaurant and bar on Rte 5 in Vernon, which was operated by the Zajac Family until 1983. Tom loved to play golf and was a lifetime member at the Oneida Community Golf Club. Later in life Tom selflessly devoted himself to the care of his mother, the Zajac family matriarch, who lived to the ripe old age of 99, and also made sure the other aging members of the family knew they were loved.

Tom was predeceased by his mother Marie and father Walt, his younger brother Dan in 2020 and by his nephew John in 1993.

He is survived by his two older brothers Don of Vernon and Ron of Florida, his sister-in-law Carol, and several nephews, Dustin, Rodney, Steven and Dan; and his niece Mary Beth.

A small private service of farewell will be held in the spring, and notification will be published for those who would like to attend.