Thomas Zelko Obituary

Dear Diane and Kara and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. I didn't find out until today. I feel so bad.
We will keep your in our thoughts and prayers.
Pat and Fred Capuano

One of my favorite teachers at Liberty and an influence that led me to like school again. Always helpful and mindfull of student needs he was the one of the teachers that helped turn around my academics. He made you feel at ease and he actually taught you and you learned from him. I remember the first time seeing him you could tell he was a transition from the older style of teachers to one who could relate and understand those he was teaching. It is a memorial to him just seeing how many of his former students remember him.

A great teacher, a stunning wit, and a beloved friend. Travel well, dear friend -- we'll meet again upon another shore! With love, Judy and David

Diane, We were so surprised to read of Tom's passing. You and Kara are in out thoughts and prayers.

Sandy and Ed Butch

Diane and family,

Lois and I were saddened to hear about the death of Tom.
During our years at LHS,Tom was one of those special people that you looked forward to seeing.His laid-back and unpretentious manner always made you feel a little better.
He was a friend,a superior teacher,and a kind, decent man...a unique man who touched the lives of many.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.May God give you strength during this difficult time

John and Lois Pinto

I have such happy memories of Tommy's bright smile and laughter. So sorry for Diane and family. Sincerely, Pam ( Williams) Singer

We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Tony, Robyn and Aiden Freeh

My deepest and most sincere condolences.

Mr Zelko was my teacher in Liberty. He was a great teacher and will be missed. My sympathy to his family.

Mr. Zelko was my track coach at Liberty High School from 1979 to 1982. He instilled in me a love for running that has extended to this day. I was part of a relay team that placed 2nd at districts and competed at the state track meet in 1980. He was so proud of, and happy for, us. That is one of my most cherished memories from high school. Mr. Zelko was the best coach anyone could ever ask for. He was kind, encouraging, and motivating, and you just wanted to make him proud. He expected a lot from us and I remember not ever wanting to disappoint him. He was a man of few words, but when he said something, it was important and you gave him your undivided attention. Mr. Zelko had a fabulous smile and, of course, all of us on the girls' side of the track team had a huge crush on him. I only saw him mad once, and that was when we decided one day after practice that it would be funny to completely cover his Volkswagen bug in mud. Not happy! And I recall having a particularly grueling practice the next day. But he forgave us, much to my relief. I think of Mr. Zelko often and can only hope that he knew how much he meant to those of us who were fortunate enough to have had him as a coach. Please know that I share in your sorrow, and that he will not be forgotten!

Deepest sympathy to Tom's entire family from a Notre Dame classmate.

Professional, calm, patient, and respectful to his students is how I will always remember him. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all upon the loss of your husband / father. Tom was such a very nice man. He will be remembered fondly by many.
" Remember not my strife ...but celebrate my life " .
Barry and Kathy Pavlish

My condolence to Tom's family. I shared Tom's love of track and field, coaching for 37 years.

Mr. Z. was my track coach when I was a student at Liberty High School. I have fond memories of practices and meets on that old cinder track. I can still remember him checking in with us about our events. He was always a positive presence! Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr Zelko was a teacher of mine when I went to Liberty. He will be missed by many.

My deepest sympathy to the Zelko family, Mr. Zelko was my algebra teacher at Liberty. He was a wonderful teacher. One of my favorites! May all your wonderful memories help to comfort you at this difficult time.

What a pleasure it was coaching at Liberty with Tom in the 80's. He was a great teacher, coach and friend. He will be missed.

Our deepest sympathy. May you know we were all blessed to have known him. All our love. Pattinson and Nicky

I fondly remember Mr. Zelko...he was my math teacher at Liberty High School. He had an amazing way of teaching that inspired his students to love math and to do well. My prayers go out to the Zelko family.

Diane...my sincere sympathies. My hope is that your days can be filed with warm memories of the family stories and history you and Tom created.