Peter P. Zelinski II

KEENE -- Peter Paul Zelinski II died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007, at Fletcher Allen Medical Center surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was born Dec. 17, 1930, the son of Peter and Anna (Lebednik) Zelinski at Moriah Center, N.Y.
On Jan. 17, 1952, during the Korean War, he was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps and was released from active duty Jan. 16, 1954. Upon release, he was required to serve in the Marine Corps Ready Reserve for six years until January 1960, at which time he received an honorable discharge as a corporal E-4. On Sept. 1, 1954, he became a trooper in the New York State Police, retiring as a zone sergeant on June 26, 1985. On April 7, 1986, he became Chief of Police of the Village of Lake Placid and served until June of 1988. In March of 1989, he was hired by the Essex County Sheriff to serve as Undersheriff until May of 1995. From 1995 to 1999, he was elected and served as town councilman in the Town of Keene.
Peter was a member of St. Brendan's Catholic Church in Keene, the Knights of Columbus, AuSable Council 2301, the American Legion Marcy Post 1312 in Keene Valley, Association of Former New York State Troopers Adirondack Chapter, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State Troopers and the National Rifle Association.
He captured the hearts and respect of many individuals. He was admired for his integrity, professionalism and fairness. Through vivid storytelling, Peter shared memories of his life with children, grandchildren, friends and strangers.
Peter is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Constance M. (Whitney) Zelinski; and their four daughters, Connie Zelinski, Oshkosh, Wis., Deborah (Martin) Underhill, Lansing, Mich., Lisa (Joe) Shovan, Lewis, N.Y., and Nicole Zelinski, Keene, N.Y.; their two sons, Peter (Suzanne), Moriah, N.Y., Matthew (Kelly) Deering, N.D.; and their 19 grandchildren, Amanda (Brandon) Schrei, Nicholas and Shayne Capone, Audrey and Tanner Shovan, Brian Zelinski, Kathryn, Judson, Benjamin, Zachary, Kara, Stephania, Sara, Laura, Sophia Zelinski and Hillary, Nathan, Samuel, and Anna Zelinski. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Koczur and Helen Harvish; and brothers, William and Joseph Zelinski.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Anna; his sisters, Anna Tromblee and Catherine Zelinski.
Calling hours will be Monday, Nov. 26, 2007, at 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Marvin's Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. Catholic funeral services will be celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007, at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid. Burial will follow at Norton's Cemetery in Keene.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Brendan's Church, Church Street, Keene, N.Y.; North Country Life Flight, Adirondack Regional Airport, Saranac Lake or the Keene Ambulance Squad.
Online condolences may be made at www.wmmarvins.com