Joseph T. Zelenak

Joseph T. Zelenak, Jr.

April 23, 1953- January 16, 2024

 Many have read Joe’s written words that appeared in newspaper articles and online posts. His stories have been shared both far and wide. It is with great sorrow that we say he was unable to write these words to you himself. We will do our best on his behalf to honor a life well lived. After a brief illness Joe shared his final words with us on Tuesday evening, January 16, 2024. 

 Joe was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Son of Joseph Zelenak, Sr. and Ruth Zelenak. Brother to Sharon Kovach. He attended Sayreville War Memorial High School. As a young adult Joe hung up his snow shovel and made the move to Southeast Florida to enjoy the warm weather with his family. Joe worked for Kmart as the garden center manager for over 30 years. He was an avid writer of articles on various topics for Hometown News for 20 plus years. During retirement he enjoyed work as a remote computer repair technician. 

 As an amateur meteorologist, family and friends would turn to him for information on oncoming storms with advice on any precautions they should take. Joe was a good-hearted person, charismatic and fun to be around. In addition to weather, he enjoyed Amateur Radio (ham) radio and most recently following the Space X Falcon launches often posting videos of them on Facebook for his friends around the country to watch as he had such a great view from his front lawn. He cared deeply for his family and always made time for them. There to listen and provide advice whenever he could.

 Joe had a passion for all things nostalgic. He would often pick up an antique such as an old clock and look at it from all sides and exclaim “That is so cool!”. A collector of model trains and antique radios and many other items of personal interest. He had a childlike appreciation for Disney and SeaWorld. We all know his favorite trip was taking the day and spending it at SeaWorld, dinner with Shamu and enjoying the fireworks at night. More recently enjoying Disney resort hopping and having pizza on the Disney Boardwalk.

 In addition to thriving plants and gardens Joe loved all animals. From the yearly migrating robins in the backyard, throwing peanuts to the squirrels, even calling to the kitties that roam the neighborhood. The Wild raccoons are known to make an appearance in the yard as well. He loved riding his bike and stopping to see the little otter in the pond on his favorite route. He spent quality years with his dog Sheeba and recently mourned the loss of dear kitty Rainy Sky. His cat Princess will help keep up the tradition of enjoying cuddles and treats from family and friends.

 In 2000 he married his true love Carol Deprey-Zelenak and in addition to his son Bryan he accepted her three children Kimberly, Ross and Kelly as his own.

Joe was preceded in death by Father Joseph T. Zelenak Sr., Mother Ruth M. Zelenak, Son-in-law Adam Nouwen, Brother-in-law Joseph Kovach, and is survived by Wife Carol Deprey-Zelenak, Children Bryan Timpano (Nicole), Kimberly (Yucel) Ozcan, Ross (Heather) Deprey and Kelly Nouwen. Seven grand children, Selena, Savannah, Anthony, Dakota, Savannah, Gemma and Mya. Sister Sharon Molle Kovach, Brother-in-law Steven R. Molle, Nephew Steven T. Molle, Nephew Scott (Kathleen) Molle, Niece Sheree Molle Bagensie, and eight Great Nieces and Nephews.

Many know Joe from “Joe’s Disco” where he would invite friends to dance the night away to disco style music and top dance hits. It is in this memory that we ask you to please honor his wishes and remember Joe not in sadness but instead the fun and happy times filled with music and the energy and his zest for life that Joe brought to us all!

 A celebration “Joe’s Farewell Disco” will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm at Haisley Funeral Home, 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984             

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Joe’s Family Memorial at https://gofund.me/d578a9c3 or to Dogs and Cats Forever https://dogsandcatsforever.com/donate/