AUBURN___Chester J. “Chet” Zielonka, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by the family he loved on October 11, 2021.
He was born and raised in Worcester, the son of the late Franciszek “Frank” and Aniela (Jurczyk) Zielonka.
Chet graduated from Commerce High School and then served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. After the war, he returned to Worcester and married the love of his life, Helen Fleming. They spent the next 68 years happily married and each other’s constant loving support through life. Several years after marrying, he moved his wife and young family to Auburn where he stayed for the remainder of his life.
Besides his loving wife Helen; he leaves behind two sons, Mark Zielonka and his wife Sharon and Paul Zielonka (Brother Adam of St. Joseph’s Abbey); his cherished grandchildren, Melissa, Matthew Devon, and Alexis; and great-grandchildren, Teagan, Gavin, Noah and Liam.
Chet was a friendly and gregarious man who seemed to know people and constantly run into old friends everywhere he went. He was a hardworking man, who usually held down two jobs to support his family. His sense of humor and easy going style will sorely be missed by all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Due to the pandemic, there are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Boys and Girls Club, 65 Boys & Girls Club Way, Worcester, MA 01610. HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL SERVICE, 33 Ward Street, Worcester, is directing the funeral arrangements.