CLINTON - Thaddeus "Z" Ziemba, our adored husband and father, was wrapped in our arms as Heaven's angels came for him on February 14, 2015. Z was born on February 12, 1965, in Utica, NY, the son of Ted and Joann Ziemba. He grew up in small town America during the seventies, which fostered the lighthearted and youthful presence that endured to his final days. The friendships that he forged in those early years sustained him through the highs and lows throughout his life. He grew up in New Hartford, NY, with his future wife, Sharon Evans. He graduated high school in 1983 as one of the top ten students in his class. Z then enrolled in Hamilton College in the fall of 1983, with an academic scholarship. Thad was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, which was a "source" of great pride. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa, with a major in mathematics and a minor in chemistry. After graduation, he began his career at State Farm Insurance, which continued until his passing. Thad and Sharon's love story began the summer before freshman year, as they both waited to join the Hamilton Class of 1987. Z and Sharon were married in the Hamilton College Chapel on February 10, 1990. They were soon joined by their four children: Kathryn, Samantha, Patrick and Benjamin. As a father, Thad was lovingly involved in every aspect of our lives. He coached each of us in various sports, completed almost every school project, and predicted (with great accuracy) which colleges we would attend. He instilled strong values in each of us, and encouraged us to simply do the best that we could. His sense of humor remained till the very end, and will live on in each one of us. Our dad's strength was constant throughout our lives. The love Z and Sharon shared is the definition of what a marriage should be, and will forever be a model for all of us. Thad battled a late-stage of colon cancer over the past several years, and his ability to remain a positive and loving presence is the legacy we are proud to share. Though we are utterly devastated by the loss of our husband and father, we take great comfort in knowing that he has reunited with his brother, John Michael, whom he lost at a young age. We know that Z touched and inspired countless lives, and will continue to serve as our most fervent protector. Thad is survived by his wife, Sharon and their four children, Kathryn Louise, Samantha Grace, Patrick John and Benjamin Thomas; his parents, Ted and Joann Ziemba; his brothers, Jerry Ziemba and his sister-in-law Heather Manry Ziemba, and Brian Ziemba; his wife's parents, Ronald and Joan Evans; his wife's siblings, Susan Keller and Dr. Brian Gaffney, Sheila and Kevin Grimmer, Ronald and Deborah Evans, Michael and Jean Evans, and Richard and Asha Evans; Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; and his constant canine companions, Charlie and Sophie Ziemba. Mr. Ziemba's funeral will be held on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Clinton where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. His burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Clinton will be held at the convenience of his family. Calling hours for family and friends are Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home 10 E. Park Row, Clinton. Those wishing to make a donation in Thad's memory, please consider GiveForward to help with Thad's medical expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.