Donald E. Zelenak
Pottstown Native and U.S. Air Force Veteran
HAVERHILL, MA: Donald E. Zelenak, age 85, a native of Pottstown, PA, recently of Tewksbury, MA, passed away at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA on Monday, April 10, 2023.
He was the beloved husband of Eva L. (Smith) Zelenak with whom he celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on January 31, 2023.
Born in Pottstown, PA on January 20, 1938, he was the son of the late Paul and Anna (Zubert) Zelenak.
Donald attended local schools and graduated from North Coventry High School in 1955.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served with the 919th AC & W Squadron in Alberta, Canada until being honorably discharged from active duty in 1957.
Donald worked for the Bethlehem Steel Company and the Megquier & Jones Steel Company until his retirement.
Prior to moving to Tewksbury, MA, he resided in North Reading, MA, Millsboro, Delaware, and Buxton, Maine.
He was a member of the American Legion in Millsboro, Delaware.
Donald enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and NASCAR Auto racing. In addition, he was an avid Penn State Nittany Lions Football fan.
Besides his wife, Eva, family members include his children, Linda L. Genovese and her husband Anthony, of Tewksbury, MA, and the late Anita Briggs and her surviving husband Dennis, of Wilmington, DE: four grandchildren, Meghan and Joseph Briggs and Andrew and Peter Genovese: his great granddaughter, Felisha Genovese: two sisters, Patricia Banyai and her husband Robert, of Murphysboro, TN and Maryann Kelley and her husband David, of Winchester, TN: his brother, the late James Zelenak and his surviving wife Barbara, of Bear, DE: also many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A Memorial Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. William’s Church in Tewksbury, MA, and Air Force Funeral Honors followed. The inurnment is at Highland Memorial Park in Pottstown, PA. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.