Deacon Thomas Zayac

Thomas “Tom” Zayac was born in Nyack, NY, son of the late Joseph W. and Mary (Phillips) Zayac. The youngest of 4 children, he attended the North Rockland School District, in Haverstraw and Thiells, NY and graduated with a BS degree in Mathematics from Iona College, New Rochelle, NY. Along with his entire family, he was a member of the Parish of Saint Mary in Haverstraw where he describes his church life and family life as one in the same, being active in the parish all of his life. He first became a Eucharistic Minister there in 1984, serving both at Mass as well as bringing the Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass. He was also the Confirmation instructor to the youth of the parish.

Tom and Joanne (Stanko) were married at Saint Mary Church on June 1, 1986 and they moved to Lake Carmel, NY where they lived for 10 years. While in Lake Carmel, they attended Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Mahopac, where they served as a catechist couple in the parish Baptismal Preparation Program. Together with their children, they participated in the Marianist Family Retreat program, visiting Rhode Island, Maine and Connecticut. In 1996, they moved to Andover, and immediately joined Saint Joseph Parish.

Tom and Joanne have been blessed with 6 beautiful children, 2 wonderful sons-in-law and 2 awesome grandchildren: Amanda (D’Amico), MaryBeth, Madeleine (McGowan), Thomas Jr, Michael and Timmy; sons-in-law Andy D’Amico and Jason McGowan; grandson Aiden, and granddaughter Grace.

Tom and Joanne worked with Deacon Ray Biersbach when they first joined Saint Joseph Parish in 1996 to help start the Baptismal preparation program. Deacon Tom has served as a volunteer in the Pastoral Care Department of Newton Hospital since 1998. In 2001 he became a hospice volunteer with Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Newton. During that time he also served as a Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher, and then as a Confirmation leader at Saint Joseph Parish.

Deacon Tom began his studies for the Diaconate in September 2004, just 2 weeks after his sister passed away from cancer. He was ordained to the Diaconate on May 16, 2009 by Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Paterson. Upon ordination, he was assigned as a permanent deacon at Saint Joseph Parish in Newton. Deacon Tom and Joanne have led the R.C.I.A. Program since 2007. His great passion has always been to serve at Mass, as well as to serve God’s people. Deacon Tom is a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Don Bosco Council 7784. He also serves as the Father Prior to the Don Bosco Squires Circle 5565.

Deacon Tom is an avid runner, who enjoys the outdoors.

Having worked in the retirement industry his entire career, Deacon Tom is employed by ADP Retirement Services in Florham Park in the Product Management department.

Deacon's Tom energy, smile and pastoral dedication make him a perfect fit here at Saint Joseph Church and we continue to welcome he and his family to our parish community.