Thomas Zielinski

Thomas W. Zielinski, 82, passed away on April 21, 2025 with wife Wendy Cassidy Zielinski by his side after a long period of illness.  He was born in Westfield, MA and received a B.S.  degree from the American International College in Springfield, MA.  He served in the Air Force at Laughlin, Del Rio, TX and worked at Hamilton Standard in CT as an accountant, and before retiring as teacher of continuous improvement.  He enjoyed many get-togethers with family and friends in CT and MA.  After retiring, he moved to Osprey, then Venice, FL, to an Over 55 community where he was very happy.  There he served as a volunteer treasurer for a short time, made lifelong friends and memories and enjoyed good times with friends and family.  Tom played poker and cards and participated in the various clubhouse activities and always competed in shuffleboard tournaments.   He worked as a ranger at the Oaks and Plantation Country Clubs and was a volunteer at Sarasota National Cemetery.  Tom loved McDonald’s lattes, and to grow vegetables and flowers and cook, eat and have a good time with friends and family!  He loved the ocean and the gulf, Narragansett Bay, RI, fishing and all Boston teams.  Surviving family members include his wife Wendy Cassidy Zielinski, son Scott Zielinski and wife Laurie Castro, Amy Martin and husband Justin.  He also leaves stepdaughter Deanne Poole, sister Joan Wright and wife Patricia Jenks, brother William Zielinski and wife Adela as well as 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson on the way.  He was a godfather and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Zielinski and mother Alice Zielinski and her husband John Slabinski. In accordance with his wishes, there will be a private burial service with military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery for immediate family and close friends.  He will be greatly missed by family and friends.