Obituary of Eugene J. Zaleski
Olean, NY Eugene J. Zaleski of 908 Irving St. passed away peacefully Friday (May 12, 2017) at the Olean General Hospital.
Born June 21, 1931 in Salamanca he was the son of William and Helen Zielinski Zalewski. On September 5, 1955 in Holy Cross church in Salamanca he married Helen M. Pavlock who survives.
Mr. Zaleski was a 1948 graduate of Salamanca High School and then enlisted in the US Army where served until 1952, having been stationed in Germany and Korea.
He was a grocery store manager for his entire career and worked for Loblaw's Grocery, Ried's Food Barn and for Bells in Bradford until his retirement.
He was a member of St. Mary of the Angels Parish, a lifetime member of the Pulaski Club, and an avid bowler and former secretary of the Olean Bowling Association. He was also a passionate, lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, a frustrated, yet devoted Buffalo Bills fan, and a longtime St. Bonaventure Basketball season ticket holder.
He enjoyed his home where he spent time wood-working and completing home projects. In his retirement, he was an avid reader and enjoyed a daily crossword puzzle. He supported his children and grandchildren in all of their sporting and academic accomplishments.
Surviving besides his wife of over 61 years are 7 children Linda Manross of Olean, Larry (Diana Ritz) Zaleski of Goshen, Don (Lynne) Zaleski of Brockport, Donna (Ron) Wetherby of Olean, John Zaleski of Olean, Jim Zaleski, currently working in Kuwait and Julie (Mark) Swatsworth of Buffalo; 18 grandchildren Brandon, Kristen, Angela, Lauren, Nick W., Adam, Dan, Jennifer, Brian, Kate, Allison, Hannah, Jake, Nick B., David, Mike, Matt, and Nick C.; 21 great grandchildren; 2 sisters Marie Sloand and Gerri Heron, both of Great Valley and several nieces and nephews and other extended family.
He was predeceased by 2 brothers Daniel Zalewski and William Zalewski.
Friends will be received on Tuesday from 6-9pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. The funeral will be at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels on Wednesday (May 17, 2017) at 9:30am. Rev. David Tourville, associate pastor, will be the celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team.
Memorials may be made to The Pines of Olean, 2245 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760 or to the Olean Public Library, 134 N. 2nd Street Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.
