William S. Zielinski Jr.

1925 - 2014

Zielinski Jr., William S.

Rochester: May 8, 2014, William S. Zielinski, Jr at 89, formerly of Dansville, NY; predeceased in November 2013 by daughter Elizabeth (James) Monaghan; survived by his loving wife, Diane; children William S. Zielinski III (Karen Lee Sobol), Susan Zielinski (Richard Buck), Mary Toepperwein (Lindon), son-in-law James Monaghan; five grandchildren, Michaela and Katherine Monaghan, Lane and Loren LaColla, Sara Zielinski, sisters Jean (John) English and Jane Barone, former spouse Betty A. Zielinski and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was born in Rochester, NY on January 13, 1925. He was a graduate of St. Monica's Elementary School (1938) and West High School (1942). He attended Cornell Law School where he earned his BA and Doctor of Law degrees. In 1943, at the age of 18, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as the Communications Officer on the USS Astoria. In 1949 he began to practice law in Dansville, NY where he remained as an individual practitioner for over 50 years. During those years Bill served the Livingston County area in several capacities. He acted as the attorney for the Village of Dansville, Town Justice for the Town of North Dansville, attorney for the Town of Springwater; attorney for the Livingston County Department of Social Services (1955-1977) and County Attorney for Livingston County beginning in 1977. He was a long time member of the Dansville Rotary Club, American Legion, Protectives Fire Company, NY State and American Bar Associations, Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity.

Bill's love of almost all sports was well known and he remained a loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills even after ending his 25 years as a season ticket holder. Golf was also a favorite and he tried to watch all the matches and played whenever he could.

A long-time lover of Musical Theater, Bill treasured his memories of having seen many wonderful artists performing on Broadway and he always supported and appreciated the many local amateur and professional theater productions. He was an avid music lover and had a large collection of recordings he listened to frequently. While in Dansville he wrote, produced and hosted a weekly radio show on WDNY-Big Bands with Bill Zielinski - providing his audience with great music and interesting facts surrounding the history of the artists and their songs.

There will be no calling hours. His family will lay him to rest later this summer in his beloved Dansville. To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit www.harrisfuneralhome.com.