Obituary of Leo A. Zelinski

Leo A. Zelinski, age 82 of Wilmington, DE, passed away on August 24, 2023 at Atlanticare Regional Hospital. He was born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia by his parents, Leo and Regina (Casey) Zelinski. Leo served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1964 through 1965. He was the owner of Zelinski Cleaning Service working in commercial cleaning for 25 years before retiring in 2017. He previously worked at Frito Lay. Leo graduated from West Catholic High School in 1960 where he was a member of the school's basketball team, including the year that the 1959 Catholic League title was won. He loved sports and playing golf, basketball, and softball. He also was a fan of Philly's pro sports teams and Villanova basketball. He enjoyed his time down the shore, listening to live music, reconnecting with old friends, and living life to the fullest. Leo was a member of St. Hedwig's Catholic Church and Del Vets Post #1. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, De La Salle Council 590, where he earned the honor of 4th Degree.  In addition to his parents, Leo is preceded in death by his daughter who died as an infant, Anita Zelinski, a brother, Ronald Zelinski, and sister, Regina Minier. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anita (Kozera) Zelinski, 3 daughters; Christina (Anton) Dell'Orefice, Suzanne (Ted) Evans, and Karen (Joe Balok) Zelinski, 8 Grandchildren; Harlan, Christina, Liliana, and Madalena Dell'Orefice, Emileigh, Alexandra, Sophia, and Eamonn Evans, 2 sisters-in-law; Arlene (Marty) Devine and Lorraine (Ken) Burke, nephews; John (Paula) Zelinski, Martin (Tony Martinez) Devine, Dan (Angela) Devine, and Michael (Kellie) Burke, a niece; Lauren (Brian) Fichter, and great-nephews and great-nieces. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 29th, from 9AM-10:15AM at St. Hedwigs Catholic Church, 408 S. Harrison St., Wilmington, DE 19805 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM. Interment, S.S. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com