Obit: Corning Leader, Corning, NY; Apr 05, 2011 @ 11:17 PM
Corning, N.Y. — Thomas L. Van Zile, 63 of, Corning passed away peacefully at his home with his wife by his side after a short battle with cancer on Sunday April 3rd 2011.

He was born in Corning on October 5th 1947, the son of Joseph and Esther (Brockway) Van Zile.

Tom married Sandra Knowlton on October 6, 1990 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

He served during the Vietnam War as corporal in the Marine Corps.

Tom enjoyed camping with his wife and two dogs. He enjoyed his job and coworkers at Citi Financial, was a New England Patriots fan and an avid channel surfer.

He is survived by his wife: Sandra (Knowlton) Van Zile and son: Christopher (Wendy) Van Zile of Corning, two sisters: Joan (Marvin) Ross of Holly, NY, Audrey (Arland) Wagner of Middlebury Center, PA and two brothers: Ronald (Ceil) Van Zile of Tioga, PA, John Van Zile of Corning and his mother Esther (Brockway) Van Zile of Horseheads. Also surviving him are his step sons, Rob (Penny) Knowlton of Mansfield, PA; Lonny Knowlton of Crocket, CA; step daughter, Tammy Knowlton of Virginia Beach, VA; grand children, Bradley and Carley Van Zile; Ryan and Daniel Knowlton; Paige, Hali, and Schuyler Nebrig; and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by his father Joseph Van Zile, sisters: Carol Stage and Lola Johnson and a son Thomas Van Zile Jr.

Please join us for a short memorial service and a celebration of Toms’ life at the Corning VFW located on Baker Street on Friday April 8 at 1:00 PM. Flowers will be provided by Tom’s family.

Arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Home and Cremation Service.