Thomas ‘Tough Guy’ C. Zwelling, NFPD, Ret. Chief, 83, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away surrounded by his beloved family on May 18, 2025 at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Edward and Gertrude (Foutz) Zwelling.
Tom graduated from South Park High School and later attended Bryant and Stratton Business Institute. He proudly served in the United States Army in Korea and in Georgia from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1962. On July 26, 1964, Tom married Janice H. (Polniak) Zwelling at St. Bartholemew’s Church in Buffalo, NY. He was employed for 28 years with the Niagara Falls Police Department, serving as a Patrolman, Detective, and ultimately Chief of Police until his retirement in 1996. Tom also graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA and was the former president of the Police Union and the Police Athletic League.
Affectionately known as “Tough Guy”, he enjoyed playing softball, basketball, riding his bike, working in his yard, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. Above all, Tom cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife of 60 years, Thomas is survived by his sons, Thomas (Rebecca) Zwelling II, CMSgt (Ret.), USAF, Michael Zwelling, Paul (Amy) Zwelling, and Andrew (Christa) Zwelling; his grandchildren, Austin, Ethan, Alissa and Joedin Zwelling; his sister, Patricia (Ricky) Fumanti, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings, Ronald (late Caroline) Zwelling, Nancy (late Paris) Bottoni, and Sally (late George) Procton.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29 from 3 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30 at 11 AM. Interment with Military Honors in White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery, Amherst, NY, will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, https://www.niagarahospice.org/. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
Visitation
Thursday, May 29, 2025
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Friday, May 30, 2025
11:00 AM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps