Leonard "Zab" Zabilansky

1950 - 2025

Leonard "Zab" Zabilansky

Perkinsville, VT - Leonard J. "ZAB" Zabilansky, 75, died November 05, 2025, at home with loving family around.

Len was born on March 17, 1950, in Stafford, CT, a son of Raymond and Dorothea Miriam (McManamy) Zabilansky. He graduated from Rockville High School in 1968 and went on to continue his education at Indiana Institute of Technology earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1972, and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. In 1977, he received a master's degree from University of Michigan.

Len was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, NH. Following his two-year commitment with the Army, he continued his career as a Research Civil engineer with CRREL as a civilian, retiring in 2016. Being immersed in engineering technology, Len saw the opportunity to introduce students to math and sciences using school to work, partnership in education, National Professional Engineers (NSPE), and MATHCOUNTS outreach programs to introduce students to the engineering profession. He was selected by the NH NPSE societies as Young Engineer and Engineer of the Year in 1983 and 2000 respectively.

In 1992, Len married Bernice (BeBe) Belaski in Windsor, VT and together they made their home in Weathersfield. After retiring from CRREL, Len took a position as principal engineer with Applied Research Associates to assist in the operation of the Ohmsett test facility in New Jersey, retiring again in October 2025.

Len enjoyed carpentry and often helped family and friends with remodeling projects. He also loved spending many winters skiing with his family. He was an active parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor, and a member of Knights of Columbus Council #2832. Len was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Alice Balavender.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bebe Zabilansky; his son, Scott Zabilansky of Underhill, VT; his daughter, Amy Wrigley of Londonderry, VT; four grandchildren, Nathan and Hannah Zabilansky, Alli & Owen Aubin. Len's siblings: Jean McMahon (Terrrance) of Willsboro NY, Donald Zabilansky (Mary) of Huntersville NC, Dr, Eileen Gillan (Gary) of Alameda, CA; Margaret Roeder (Bill) of Springfield, Ma, Kathleen Dess (Robert) of Madison CT; and Michael Zabilansky (Heidi) of Tolland, CT, and brother-in-law Brien Balavender (Florina).

Visitation will be held Friday, November 14 from 3–5 pm at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 15 at 10 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor. Burial will be held at a later date.

Knight Funeral Home in Windsor has been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers please donate to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH or St. Francis of Assisi, Windsor, VT. Condolences may be shared online at www.knightfuneralhomes.com