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Gary Zielonis Obituary
Gary moved with his family to Mechanicsburg, Pa. where he resided until 1971, when he returned to Erie to attend Gannon College. Upon his graduation in 1975 from Gannon, he taught mathematics at Cathedral Prep and Gannon from 1974 to 1976, when he embarked upon an 18-year career at General Electric Transportation Systems, where he worked in various capacities in the information systems area until his retirement in 1994.
He then transitioned to a career dedicated to volunteering in various capacities for the Diocese of Erie and philanthropy. He was a generous benefactor to his high school, Trinity High School, Shiremanstown, Pa., the Diocese of Erie and numerous other religious parishes and causes in the United States. For his philanthropy to the Diocese, he was awarded the Knight of St. Gregory honor by Pope John Paul II in October 1994. Active in Erie city politics, he served as an elected poll worker for many years and served as a Democratic Committeeman in the 2nd and 5th Wards for two decades. Upon adoption of the Erie County Home Rule Charter in 1976, he served as Chairman of the first Erie County Council Redistricting Commission. He was an avid fire buff, monitoring calls 24/7, 365 days a year and immensely enjoyed spending time with his friends in Erie.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his siblings Timothy J. Zielonis (Heather), Christopher Zielonis, and Kenneth Zielonis (Rita), all of Mechanicsburg, nieces Laura Zielonis, Jessica Zielonis, and Jennifer Zielonis Holsclaw, nephew Michael Zielonis, great-nephew Blake Anderson, godsons Jack L. Spano, Jr. and Norm Sweet, and many cousins and close friends.
Relatives and friends are invited at the Edward J. Garr Funeral Home, Inc., 459 East 12th Street, Erie, PA 16503, on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be at Holy Rosary Church, 2701 East Ave., Erie, PA 16504 at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2018. Entombment will be in the Gate of Heaven Mausoleum. Please send condolences to garrdavisfuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Zielonis
Sponsored by Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. - Erie.
4 Entries
Bob Kightlinger
January 6, 2018
Gary was one of the most generous people I knew. He helped me when I was getting started. RIP friend.
SAM FLETCHER
January 5, 2018
I WISH TO SEND MY CONDOLENCE TO THIS FAMILY.
I WORK WITH GARY AT GENERAL ELECTRIC, AND WENT TO BREAKFAST WITH HIM AND RICH VOGT FOR MANY YEARS.
HE IN A BETTER PLACE
SAM FLETCHER
Craig Silvis
January 4, 2018
So sorry to hear about this, I worked with Gary at G.E. and he was a really nice guy and definitely left the world a better place for having been here - he will be missed.
Aunt Mary, Caroline, and Dorothy Zielonis
January 4, 2018
So very saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was a kind and gentle soul who selflessly devoted his life to what was near and dear to his heart, and probably never realized how many lives he touched along life's journey. His was truly a life well lived, and he will be sadly missed.
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7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. - Erie459 E 12th Street, Erie, PA 16503
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Davis-Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. - Erie459 E 12th Street, Erie, PA 16503
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