Raymond "Sonny" Zabielski

Raymond "Sonny" Zabielski went with God on Tuesday morning March 4, 2025. Sonny, as he was affectionately known, was born on January 16, 1936 to Stanley and Genevieve Zabielski. He grew up in Glen Head with his parents and his brother Stanley "Buddy" Zabielski. At the age of 18 after watching Buddy play basketball at Glen Cove High School he spotted the love of his life, Arlene Boerem. He asked his friend Jerry, "Who's that girl?" From that moment on they never separated. They married on June 22, 1958 and together they started their life in Westbury where they continued to live for 66 years raising their loving family, Kevin (Rosemary), Susan (Mark), Linda (Scott), Darin, and Luann (Frank).
He was very dedicated to his business, Raymond Landscaping, for 55 years from 1960-2013. He loved beautifying his customers' properties with gorgeous flowers, bushes and trees. Upon returning from work his children and their neighborhood friends (and later grandchildren) always knew when to stop playing and quickly cleaned up when his truck turned the corner returning home.
Later in life he was blessed with 13 amazing grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed celebrating every holiday with his Polish traditions. He never missed a birthday where he delighted in singing Sto lat, a Polish birthday song.
Dad was the rock of our family and he has made a huge impact on all of us. He will be sorely missed and we will cherish our wonderful memories for the rest of our lives. Dad loved the outdoors and spent his life with plants. We simply ask, in honor of our dad, please plant a flower or tree in your garden.
Ta-da, See you later alligator!