Born June 24, 1948, in Cheektowaga, New York he was a son of Edmund and Helen (Kochanski) Zielinski.

He was a graduate of Cheektowaga Central School. He then served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1967-70.

He worked as a mechanic for McKean Machinery, Witherell’s Garage, and then worked for Dresser Rand as a Machinist starting in Olean and finished his career in Wellsville after 32 years.

He was a member of the Cuba American Legion Post 655, Shawn M. Clemens Memorial AmVets Post 1 of Cuba, and the Cuba VFW Post 2721. He enjoyed fishing, local dirt track racing, NASCAR, watching the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres with his two sons, but loved attending all of his grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events. He always looked forward to daily visits with his friends at Haskins Garage and attending the auto auctions.

He is survived by 4 sons, Toby (Cheryl) Zielinski of Lampasas, Texas, Keith (Pamela) Zielinski of Eldred, Pennsylvania, Jason (Lillian Mahon) Zielinski of Cuba, and Brian Zielinski of Texas; his grandchildren, Brenden, Jacob, Joshua, Tenley, Katie, Kellie, and Jennifer; several great grandchildren; a sister, Carole Bodge of Daytona, Florida; a niece, Dori Campo of Palatka, Florida; 2 nephews, Wade Caster and Kevin Caster; and several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a granddaughter Cassie, a brother Edmund Zielinski, and a sister Rita Caster.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1-3 P.M. at which time a Memorial Service will be held. Pastor Claudia Little, will officiate. A Celebration of Life will be held at the convenience of the family.