Zia Zaroo

Shamasha (Deacon) Zia Philip Zaroo - Age 73, died Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at his home in Flint, Mich. He was surrounded by family and loved ones as he peacefully, naturally departed this life. Zia was born to Philip and Laya Zaroo (Enweya), in Baghdad, Iraq, where he worked for the Ministry of Justice. He lived in London, England, where he worked as a chef for two years before emigrating to the United States in 1969. Upon arriving, he immediately gained employment with General Motors, and worked at the Fisher Body plant until 1988. Zia met Sonia (Joseph) Zaroo in 1970, and didn't waste time in proclaiming his intentions on their first date by boldly yet suavely documenting the occasion by writing on a matchbook from the restaurant, "Zia and Sonia Zaroo -- November 22, 1970." They were married eight months later, on July 24, 1971. In January, 1973, the Zaroos were blessed with their first child Becky -- Zia's "most precious jewel." Zia got his broona (son) when Philip -- "the fulfillment of my heart's desire" -- was born in May, 1975. A man of deep faith, Zia was ordained in 1979 as a Shamasha of the Assyrian Apostolic Church of the East. He served Mar Shimun Bar Sabbai Church in Flint for 37 years with a love of God, the Assyrian Nation, and a voice that came from his soul. His family will miss his vast library of expressions, stories, jokes, and, of course, the shrill laugh he saved for Benny Hill or the movie Arthur. But most of all, they will miss his big heart. Zia is survived by his wife Sonia, children Rebecca Lynne (Brian) Johns of Flint, and Philip Simon (Emily) Zaroo; grandchildren Sara, Stephen, Noah and Adin Johns, and Zoe, Adia and Zia Philip Zaroo II; siblings: Regina Khnanisho of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Samira Benjamin of Atlanta, Ga. He is preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Zaroo of Phoenix, Ariz. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mar Shimun Bar Sabbai Parish, 3112 Lewis St., in Flint. Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. service, at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd., Flint. Those desiring may make contributions in lieu of flowers to the ACERO (Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organization) or the Assyrian Church of the East, Flint. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation

Friday, June 17, 2016 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center
6063 Fenton Road Flint 48507, United States