Kenneth George Zilinski

Kenneth George Zilinski, affectionately known as Ken, passed away on May 10, 2025, in Deland, Florida. Born to Carol Ferganis and Norbert Zilinski on August 6, 1951, in Clifton, NJ.
Ken was a graduate of Clifton High School, NJ. He furthered his education by earning an associate degree from St. Leo's College while stationed at Shaw AFB in Sumter, SC.
In September 1970, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served two tours in Thailand during the Vietnam era. In 1989, he was deployed part of the first Gulf War. He spent his remaining years at Shaw AFB doing the one thing he loved most, supervising, and maintaining the engine shop, ensuring it was always at its best. Ken was honorably discharged in September 1996, after serving 26 years and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. In June 2023, he was granted 100% disability from the VA due to herbicide exposure during his deployment in the Vietnam era.
In 1986, Ken met and married Wynette Thigpen Benson. He was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Sumter, SC, where he served on the building committee and was a Eucharist Minister. Ken and Wynette moved to Deland, FL, in 1997, where they joined St. Peter Catholic Church. Ken worked with Flight Safety International in Daytona Beach, FL, but later, he and several others started their own S-Corporation, where he continued to work until retirement.
Predeceased by his parents and his baby sister, bother-in-law, Arthur Thigpen, sister-in-law, Libby Thigpen, Ken's legacy will be carried on by his loving wife, Wynette, his step-children, Anthony "Tony" (Tori) and Stacy (Carra) Benson; his adored step-grandchildren, Jessica, Fox, Seaton, Cole and Simone: his step-great grandchildren, Elliot and Hollie Grace; his brother, Richard (Kim) Zilinski, brother-in-law, Wilbur Thigpen, and sister-in-law, Angela Hochell.
A military service ceremony will be held to honor Ken's life and career at 1pm Thursday May 15, 2025, at Deland Memorial Gardens in Deland, FL.
Kenneth Zilinski will be remembered as a loving husband, stepfather, step-grandfather (papa), brother and friend. His warmth, wisdom, and the joy he brought to every gathering will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.