In Memory Of
Thomas Karl Zacktan
1946
2022
Thomas Karl Zacktan
December 17, 1946 — May 9, 2022
In Loving Memory of Thomas "Tom" Karl Zacktan
1946 – 2022
On Monday, May 9, 2022, Tom Zacktan, of Orlando, FL, passed away. He was 75 years old.
Tom is survived by his wife Victoria and his sons Matthew and Aaron of Orlando, FL; his sister Lillian "Dotchee" Jones, niece Karla Pearce, and nephew Kevin "Zack" Jones, of Gainesville, FL; granddaughter Hannah McCulley of Seattle, WA; and his in-laws Bob and Linda Bonk of St. Augustine, FL.
Tom was born on December 17, 1946, in Lake Station, IN, son of John A. Zack and Lillian M. (née Pronze) Zack, later McGrath.
He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved stepfather Roderick McGrath, his brothers Zackary J. "Sonny" Zacktan and John Paul "J.P." Zacktan, sister Carolyn Joyce Zacktan, and nephew Zackary "Jay" Zacktan.
Tom moved to Florida in 1958 with family. In his early teens, Tom discovered a great passion for music when he started playing the guitar. His love for music would carry him through a successful and memorable music career. Near the end of high school, he joined The Mysteries. This legendary band from Orlando rocked the airwaves with many singles including "Please Agree" and "Satisfaction Guaranteed."
During a time when breaking into the music industry was rare, his talented song writing, singing, and playing was recognized by Tower Records, a subsidiary of Capital Records, who signed him. He wrote many songs, which several broke into the top ten charts in southern states. Over his musical career, Tom played in many other bands.
Tom opened for the Searchers, Zombies, Jay and the Americans, Three Dog Night, and the Shirelles. He also backed musicians like Ray Stevens and Billy Joe Royal. He appeared many times on TV and even lent his musical talents to on air performances for cerebral palsy telethons.
Friends and bandmates describe Tom as a shy man offstage, yet all were impressed by his onstage presence, voice, and performance. Tom was an undeniably moving and talented musician.
1967 was a life-changing year. In a small apartment complex in Fort Myers, he met the love of his life, Victoria. They dated briefly and wed in 1969. Last year, they celebrated 53 years of marriage.
Outside of family and music, Tom had many interests. He welded, operated a clock restoration business, and restored old cars. He loved cast-iron cooking. Nobody could beat his version of cowboy potatoes. It's with great delight that the family can say most of Tom's passions live on in his sons.
At the request of our beloved one, private services and inurnment will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks for memorial contributions to be made in Tom's honor to the Salvation Army.
1946 – 2022
On Monday, May 9, 2022, Tom Zacktan, of Orlando, FL, passed away. He was 75 years old.
Tom is survived by his wife Victoria and his sons Matthew and Aaron of Orlando, FL; his sister Lillian "Dotchee" Jones, niece Karla Pearce, and nephew Kevin "Zack" Jones, of Gainesville, FL; granddaughter Hannah McCulley of Seattle, WA; and his in-laws Bob and Linda Bonk of St. Augustine, FL.
Tom was born on December 17, 1946, in Lake Station, IN, son of John A. Zack and Lillian M. (née Pronze) Zack, later McGrath.
He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved stepfather Roderick McGrath, his brothers Zackary J. "Sonny" Zacktan and John Paul "J.P." Zacktan, sister Carolyn Joyce Zacktan, and nephew Zackary "Jay" Zacktan.
Tom moved to Florida in 1958 with family. In his early teens, Tom discovered a great passion for music when he started playing the guitar. His love for music would carry him through a successful and memorable music career. Near the end of high school, he joined The Mysteries. This legendary band from Orlando rocked the airwaves with many singles including "Please Agree" and "Satisfaction Guaranteed."
During a time when breaking into the music industry was rare, his talented song writing, singing, and playing was recognized by Tower Records, a subsidiary of Capital Records, who signed him. He wrote many songs, which several broke into the top ten charts in southern states. Over his musical career, Tom played in many other bands.
Tom opened for the Searchers, Zombies, Jay and the Americans, Three Dog Night, and the Shirelles. He also backed musicians like Ray Stevens and Billy Joe Royal. He appeared many times on TV and even lent his musical talents to on air performances for cerebral palsy telethons.
Friends and bandmates describe Tom as a shy man offstage, yet all were impressed by his onstage presence, voice, and performance. Tom was an undeniably moving and talented musician.
1967 was a life-changing year. In a small apartment complex in Fort Myers, he met the love of his life, Victoria. They dated briefly and wed in 1969. Last year, they celebrated 53 years of marriage.
Outside of family and music, Tom had many interests. He welded, operated a clock restoration business, and restored old cars. He loved cast-iron cooking. Nobody could beat his version of cowboy potatoes. It's with great delight that the family can say most of Tom's passions live on in his sons.
At the request of our beloved one, private services and inurnment will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks for memorial contributions to be made in Tom's honor to the Salvation Army.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas Karl Zacktan, please visit our flower store.
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