Thomas Anthony Gazia's Obituary
Thomas Anthony Gazia, 85, of Alliance, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at 7:07 p.m. at Aultman Hospital Compassionate Care Center in Canton. Born on June 5, 1927 in Alliance, he lived in Alliance until 1972 when he moved to Marlboro Township. He was a member of First Church of God where he had served as a Trustee and an usher for many years. He was on the Board of Buildings and Grounds at the NEO Church of God Campgrounds. A 1945 graduate of Alliance High School, he was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict serving in the U. S. Navy. He worked as a meat cutter for McCoys Country Market, Kroger Company, Fisher Foods, Buckeye Market and Marchands before becoming a professional firefighter. He worked part-time as custodian at Christ United Methodist Church in Alliance. He retired as a Captain from the Alliance Fire Department, where he was employed as a Firefighter after 28 years of service. He also worked as an electrician and installed & repaired Genie Garage Door Openers. Mr. Gazia was a member of the American Legion, Post 166, the Alliance Senior Citizens, and the Police & Fire Retirees of Ohio. In his past-time, he enjoyed traveling, reading and camping. He and Shelby Jean were charter members of Carnation Sams Campers #53. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Shelby Jean Gazia, whom he married on June 9, 1972; a son, Kevin Gazia of Panama City, FL; two daughters, Thomasine Harris of Corpus Christi, TX, and Nanette Weeks of Cape Coral, FL; two step-daughters, Elaine (Chuck) Smith of Quenemo, KS and Amy (Scott) Augustein of Sebring, OH; a step-son-in-law, Jeff (Ellen) Stevens of Alliance; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim (Josie) Gazia of Alliance; and a niece, Patti (Scott) Cochran, and a nephew, Jim (Tina) Gazia; and many cousins. Preceding him in death were a daughter, Claudia (Benny) Kirksey in 2002; a step-daughter, Debbie L. Stevens in 1992: his parents, Patsy and Rose (Sineri) Gazia; and an infant sister, Josephine. The family will receive friends at First Church of God on Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held at the First Church of God on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Larry Murphy officiating. Interment, with military honors provided by the Salem Amvets Post 45, will follow at Marlboro Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home, 1000 S. Union Avenue, Alliance, Ohio 44601.
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