Obituary of Thomas Zellers

Thomas E. Zellers, age 79, of Phillipsburg NJ, died peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2019, at his home. Tom was born August 21, 1940, in Oxford, N.J. He is the son of the late Henry and the late Agnes (Cryan) Zellers.

A loving man, Tom cared deeply about his family, and never forgot to tell loved ones "I love you." As so many know, Tom loved to be surrounded by family and close friends, especially his wife, sons, daughter, niece Tracy, for whom he became a father figure throughout her childhood, and in more recent years, his many grandchildren. He thoroughly enjoyed photography, especially taking photos of his family and friends. He loved to page through albums, often reminiscing about his childhood and a lifetime spent in northwest New Jersey. He was a proud resident of Oxford, N.J., and enjoyed learning and sharing the history of his hometown.

His love for cars, especially Corvettes and Volkswagen Beetles (1973 Beetles, in particular), was shared with his sons, with whom he spent long hours in his garage fixing up an impressive number of vehicles over the years. His boys remember fondly the challenges of getting engines up and running, and all the wonderful memories made in the process.

For more than a decade, Tom and his family treasured time spent down the shore at Resort Country Club and Campground near Sea Isle City, N.J., where they met many neighbors who became as close as family and spent countless summer days together. Tom's family remembers his quick-witted jokes, and how he always kept them on their toes. He was known for his love of sweets--he never minded what was on the dinner menu, as long as dessert followed. A true friend to all, Tom always found the good in others and never hesitated to help anyone in need. An outgoing man with a kind heart, he touched countless lives, and will be truly missed by all.

A hardworking man,Tom's diligence was an asset at a number of workplaces throughout the years. He accrued a varied resume, from a factory to a nursing home, a campground to a school. Most recently, after more than 20 years, Tom retired from Oxford Central School, where he undoubtedly made a lasting impression on the many students he met while serving the school as a custodian. He instilled in his children the value of a hard day's work, and was proud that they remain dedicated and hardworking, as well.

Tom was a master craftsman and a perpetual "tinkerer." He loved working with his hands to build and fix things. He especially enjoyed making bird houses and gifting them to others. In his own words, Tom "would not stop until his last day," and he was right: He spent his final day building a deck for his family. It is difficult to know if there will ever be another person who loved his work as much as Tom did.

He was also an animal lover and never failed to care for an animal in need. He felt strongly that animals deserve love, and he devoted himself to many pets--from cats and dogs to more unconventional pets like exotic birds and chinchillas--throughout his life.

Surviving Tom is his wife of thirty four years, Beth; daughter Tonya Mineo of Bethlehem, PA; sons, Thomas Hart (Chandelle) of Missouri, Robert Dorshimer (Shirl) of Saylorsburg, PA, Thomas Zellers (Natasha) of Phillipsburg, and Shawn Zellers (Melissa) of Oxford, NJ. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His brothers and sister; Joseph Cryan, Richard Zellers and Joan Connolly predeceased him.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2019, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Belvidere United Methodist Church in Belvidere, N.J. Cremation was held privately under the care of Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.devoefuneral.com.