Thomas W. Zook
Thomas W. Zook, 76, of Wooster passed away April 15, 2026 after a lengthy illness. Tom was born on February 27, 1950 to Woodrow and Evelyn Zook, who predeceased him.
Tom was a graduate of Wooster High, received a B.A. degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1972, and an MBA from Northwestern University in 1974. Upon graduation from Northwestern he worked for Arthur Andersen in Chicago as an auditor for two years before returning to Wooster.
In 1976, Tom followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father by joining the management team at The Wooster Brush Company. He spent the remainder of his career there, including 30 years as Vice President of Administration during which his responsibilities included overseeing the staffing and functioning of the office. He became a member of the Board of Directors in 1981. Following his retirement in 2015, he remained actively involved with the Company and on its Board for the remainder of his life.
Outside of work, Tom chose to lead a relatively quiet life. He enjoyed reading his extensive collection of books, watching movies and sports at home, and looked forward to his regular daily and weekly interactions with people around Wooster. In addition, he particularly treasured his annual summer trips to the family lake house in northern Michigan. Tom was also a devoted caregiver when his father faced his final years. He is survived by his brother James (Barbara) and his nieces, Karen and Lisa (Cameron), and his great-niece Cora.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Wooster Hospital TCU and Tom’s Wooster Brush colleagues for their assistance in the final years of his life. There will be no calling hours and a private family service will be held. McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Our prayers for peace and comfort go out to Tom’s family!
One of my favorite interactions with Tom was historical stories not only regarding the company but also the community.
I brought a family photo in one time from my grandmother’s years and retirement, and asked Tom if he could help me with the names of others in the picture. He was gracious with his time, pointing out a few individuals and asking me to give him about 10 minutes. When he called me to his office, he not only had the other names but he also had the company awards booklet with other photos and shared some stories.
There would be additional stories over different time periods and events, which drew others to welcome a break during the workday to learn about something else:)
Respectfully,
Tammy Barrington
Always enjoyed taking care of Tom. Got to know Tom and his brother Jim over the last few years. Tom and I are the Buckeye fans and loved to tease Jim about his Michigan team except when they beat us of course. Prayers for the family.
Sorry to read of Tom’s passing. I was one of the Oakley road kids who ran wild in the neighborhood. We enjoyed street picnics and bicycle “rodeos” on the street before it became a through street. Lots of good memories