NORWICH – Andrew John “Andy” Zaia, 87, a lifetime Norwich resident, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Chenango Memorial Hospital. 
Born in Norwich on Feb. 20, 1922, Andy was the son of John and Nancy (Fonti) Zaia.  He graduated from Norwich High School with the Class of 1940. Also known as “Ironman,” Andy was a member of the famous 1937 NHS football team that was undefeated, untied and unscored upon.  He then worked in Buffalo for Bell Aircraft before enlisting in the U.S. Army 1942-1946. Andy attended Syracuse University where he also played football. He then owned and operated Norwich Men’s Shop and later retired from a career in furniture sales. 
He was a member of the Norwich Elks and the American Legion.  Andy was an avid golfer and a devoted Yankee and Syracuse University fan.  He also enjoyed talk radio and was a Civil War enthusiast.
Andy is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen (Hartshorn) Zaia of Norwich; one daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and John Stepneski of Vestal; his beloved grandchildren Kaitlyn and Emily Stepneski; his sister Rose Zaia and partner Zoltan Papp of Norwich;  a brother Frank Zaia and partner Irene Collins Johnson City; his niece Grace Ann and (Randy) Nucero-Alger; his nephews Sam and (Fran) Nucero; Michael Zaia, Matthew and (Michelle) Zaia and many other cousins, nieces and nephews.  Andy was predeceased by his parents and his sister Joan Nucero.
Funeral services for Andy will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Wilson Funeral Home. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at a later date in St. Paul’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in his memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at:  http://wilsonfh.com.