Joseph Anthony Zielinski of Madison, Alabama passed away on Friday. He was 86. Joe was born in Buffalo, New York. Earlier in his life, he was the fire chief in Williamson, New York. He had retired from SCI in Huntsville where he worked as a draftsman and then from the Madison County Commission where he worked in the transportation department at the courthouse.
He and his wife enjoyed helping others and had operated a renovated school bus called The Rolling Store that they used to deliver fresh produce to senior adults in retirement communities around Huntsville at a discounted price.
He was a faithful Christian, a member of Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church for over forty years, and was a fifth degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Joe also loved Ford Mustangs, had restored two of them, and was a member of the Mustang Club. He also was an avid Alabama football fan and had, in recent years, attended his first Alabama football game which happened to be an Iron Bowl. Joe also loved sports in general, eating out at restaurants, and celebrating the holidays.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander & Mary Zielinksi; his sister, Joanne Linton; his brother-in-law, Edward Lipiarz;
Surviving family members include his wife, Melody Lynn Jaco Zielinski; his daughter, Terresa Gowen (Robert Pears); his granddaughter, Amanda Freeman (Tevin Freeman); two great-grandchildren: Trinity Freeman and Luka Freeman; his two sisters: Marge Lipiarz and Barbara Bauer; He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will have visitation on Friday from 10AM until 11:30AM at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. A Rosary service will follow at 11:30AM and funeral Mass at Noon, also at the church. A reception will follow from 1PM until 3PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospitals (stjude.org) or to Tunnel to Towers (t2t.org) .
Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
