Walter V. Zielinski

Walter V. Zielinski, 92, passed away on the evening of July 6, 2021 at Ellis Hospital. Born January 23, 1929 in Schenectady, and resided most of his life in Rotterdam Junction, NY. He was the son of the late Stanley and Bernice (Kapuscinski) Zielinski. Walter was a graduate of Scotia High School, class of 1947. He was employed over 35 years at General Electric Company, retiring in 1989 as a large machine operator from the Steam-Turbine Department. He was a member of the GE Quarter Century Club. He was past chief and Fire Commissioner for many years of the Rotterdam Junction Volunteer Fire Department #1 and an active firefighter for 50 years and a social member since 1999. He was past president and member of the former town of Rotterdam Volunteer Firefighters Association, past member of the New York State Fire Chiefs Association and life member of Hudson-Mohawk Volunteer Firefighters Association. Walter enjoyed traveling to Poland, Italy, Germany, Hawaii, Alaska and many other countries, including cruises. His spare time consisted of gardening, deer hunting with Cliff Pawlowski and Paul Sefcik. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and a member of AARP. Mr. Zielinski is survived by his loving wife and companion, Jane, who were married on September 28, 1952 at St. Mary's church in Amsterdam, NY. He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is also survived by his daughter, Sandra Wilson, of Hudson, Florida; son-in-law, Paul Jablonski of Amsterdam, NY; grandchildren Joann Jablonski, Amsterdam, NY; Dan (Hillary) Jablonski, Ballston Spa, NY; Sheryl (Mike) Regan, Amsterdam, NY; Patty (Todd) Deshane, Fort Hunter, NY; Becky Jablonski (Steve Giardino), Albany, NY; great grandchildren Juliana and Ryan Regan, Sunny and Mya Jablonski, Toby and Chelsea Deshane, and Fiona Giardino. Many nieces and nephews also survived. Predeceased by his daughter Diane Jablonski; brothers, Alex (Marie), Louis (Katie) and Stanley (Madeline) Zielinski; sisters Jean (Jerry) Ohlidal, Helen (Ed) Kaczor, Felicia (Samuel) Sefcik and Irene (Bill) Dobies. Family and friends are invited to call at the Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home at 1 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia, NY on Sunday, July 11 from 7 to 9 pm. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 12 at 10 am, at St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Rotterdam Junction. Immediately following mass to St. Anthony's Cemetery in Glenville, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rotterdam Junction Volunteer Fire Department. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Sharon & Bill Wojcicki, the Malozzi family, Cliff Pawlowski, and Ernie Latus.