Thomas Zielinski

Thomas "Tom" John Zielinski, 79, of Idaho Falls, passed away February 7, 2016, at Broadway Fields Assisted Living Center.

He was born September 4, 1936, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to John F. Zielinski and Joanna Gorney Zielinski. Thomas graduated high school from Academy High in Erie, Pennsylvania. Thomas lived in Pennsylvania until he graduated from Penn State, where he earned his Bachelors Degree of Science and Engineering. He then moved to Southern California where he lived for about 30 years. While in California he attended UCLA where he earned his Masters of Science in Nuclear Engineering. Thomas later moved to Idaho Falls around 1990.

Thomas served his country in the US Army during the Cold War in Germany. He earned the ranking of Specialist Third Class.

He married Joanne P. Rooks on February 10, 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thomas worked in General Atomics while in Southern California in the nuclear computer program. He was a cross country semi truck driver and owned his own semi truck. Thomas also worked for the Department of Energy working as the Nuclear Engineering project manager.

Thomas was a member of the Catholic Church. He enjoyed sports, working on cars, and traveling. Thomas was an avid bridge player and was hard to beat.

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Joanne Zielinski; son, Michael Thomas Zielinski of Arizona; son, Gary Thomas (Jif) Zielinski of Vista, CA; son, Jeffrey Thomas(Lauren) Zielinski of Southern, CA; son, Russell Thomas (Kim) Zielinski of Escondido, CA; 8 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded by his brother, Herman "Herm" and two sisters; Doris and Margaret "Margie."

The family will visit with friends and family from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, Idaho Falls.

Visitation