Robert J. Zielinski

Robert J. Zielinski, 87, of Dunkirk, died Thursday, October 12, 2017 at home, surrounded by his beloved family.

He was born November 12, 1929, in Dunkirk, the son of the late John and Francis (Szary) Zielinski. Bob attended Grade School 6, and graduated as president of Dunkirk Senior High in 1948. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. Following his service to the country, he worked at the former Alco Industries. He later retired from Duriron Co. Inc., Filtration Systems Division, where he worked for 24 years. Bob holds a U.S. patent for a design in Light Control Aparatus for Moving Filter Press Plates.An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a qualified NYS Big Buck Club Member.

He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, gardening, wood working, wood carving and wine making. A noted handyman, he worked building his own home and helped with many projects repairing and/or remodeling his children’s homes. He was a loyal Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan.

He belonged to Blessed Mary Angela R.C. Parish Church of St. Hedwig. He was a past member of the parish Holy Name Society, an usher and bingo worker for many years. He was an active member of Murray Hose Co. 4 and the Alumni Drum Core. Other memberships included Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Dunkirk Falcon Club, First Ward Falcon Club and Kosciusko Polish Home. He was instrumental in organizing and coordinating the City of Dunkirk Bicentenial Celebration in 1976.

Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Joan P. (Kozlowski) Zielinski, whom he married May 8, 1954. Their surviving children include Kathryn (James) Ziemba of Arkwright, David Zielinski of Sheridan, Diane (Kevin) Fuhrman of Haughton of LA, Ellen (Tom) Dempsey of Forestville, as well as sister Geraldine (Ralph) Moch of Fredonia. Grandchildren include Julie (Phil) Lawrie, Jeremy Brumfield, Jessica (Christopher) Zielinski Meffert, Zachary and Benjamin Fuhrman, Robert, Bryan and Christopher Dempsey, and great-grandson Lucas Lawrie.Preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elaine Braciszewski and daughter-in-law Sherri Zielinski.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call today from 5-8 p.m. at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at noon at Blessed Mary Angela R.C. Parish Church of St. Hedwig. Private internment will be in St. Hedwig Cemetary.Murray Hose Company 4 members are to assemble tonight at 7 p.m. at the funeral home