Joseph “Joe” Zielinski, 71, of New Paltz, passed away unexpectedly on October 21, 2021.
Joseph A Zielinski was born on December 12, 1949, in Schenectady, NY to Elsie Bates Heckler, mother, and William Zielinski, father, and grew up with Raymond Bates, stepfather.
Joe Zielinski graduated from New Paltz Central High School class of 1968. He attended HVCC for auto mechanics before being drafted by The United States Army, where he served as an Army Specialist Five, of the Division’s 45th Medical Battalion, until June of 1975. After his time in the military, Joe worked as a fleet mechanic for Freihofer’s Baking Company. By 1984 Joe had gone into business for himself as owner and operator of Joseph Zielinski Construction and Excavation.
Joe was a hard-working individual. It was the simple pleasures in life that brought him the most joy. He was an outdoors enthusiast. He dedicated his career to sculpting the earth for the pleasure of others. In his spare time, he could be found enjoying nature. He was often sighted hiking or biking in the mountains with his beloved dogs.
He will be sorely missed, and survived by his children: Adam Zielinski, Kurt Zielinski, and Kristy Zielinski; his siblings: Ronald Zielinski, and Barbara Jewett, along with his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his son, Joseph H Zielinski, and the love of his life, Connie Roberts.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Joe on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz, from 1 - 4 p.m. The family will provide some of his favorite foods. If you would like to contribute, we ask that you bring your favorite side dish, drink, or dessert. Joe was most comfortable wearing his blue jeans. Please honor him by wearing yours as well.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to 13 Hands Equine Rescue, 50 Tuscan Way, Clinton Corners, NY 12514.
Arrangements were made by Wallkill Funeral Home.