Henry Ronald Zielensky (Ron) was born on September 11, 1943 in Dover, New Jersey He was the son of Henry and Mary (Polyak) Zielensky.
He was part of the Dover High School class of 1961 and the Trenton State College class of 1965.
On December 26, 1966 he married Trudy Connelly. He proudly served in the United States Air Force (Captain) from 1966 to 1971. He taught grades 6 and 8 from 1971-1978 in the Dover school system.
Ron was an avid racquetball player/owner/manager of Olympic Racquetball and Health Club in Randolph NJ from 1979-1988. He designed and built their double geodesic dome home in Long Valley NJ in 1982.
He was a computer programmer for Prudential and then New York Life insurance companies until his retirement in 2000. He loved his first car, a 1962 Corvair convertible, and when he turned 70 he got a similar 1962 Corvair convertible and joined the NJ Corvair Enthusiasts club.
He flew model airplanes with the Top of NJ rc model airplane club. He enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, and creating stained glass projects.
Ron was a country western line dancing enthusiast since 1993. He was a Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Long Valley.
He and Trudy enjoyed traveling and visiting all fifty states. They especially enjoyed their many cruises.
He was an accomplished woodworker. A special highlight of his life was when he built the altar, baptismal font, ambo, and other wooden structures for the remodel of Our Lady of the Mountain Church in Long Valley using wood from some of the original pews.
For the last year and a half he fought a brave battle with pancreatic cancer with a positive, cheerful attitude and a smile on his face. He left this life peacefully on April 26, 2020 at the age of seventy-six.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Trudy, Aunts Olga Wood (Hackettstown) and Alyce Polyak, (Rockaway Township), many cousins, nieces and nephews, his dachshunds (Maksie and Minnie), and many cherished friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Currently all services are private, however, there will be a Mass of Chritian Burial Live Streamed through Our Lady of the Mountain Church, Long Valley with Father Marcin offciating on April 29, 2020 at 8 pm.
Ron and Trudy would appreciate a donation toward pancreatic cancer research made in Ron’s name.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For online condolences please go to www.cochranfuneral.com
Condolences:
Judy Savitz
#12
May 1st, 2020 12:35 am
Dear Trudy, So sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts go to you. Have comfort in knowing Ron was loved by so many. I have many beautiful memories of our time together. Love always.
Laurie & Anthony Curcuruto
#11
April 30th, 2020 9:46 pm
We were so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. He was truly a special man, and will be missed by many. Our hearts break for you. May God give you comfort and bless you. Sending Love and Prayers.
Mike Polito
#10
April 30th, 2020 8:35 pm
My condolences to Trudy on Ron's passing. Ron was a good worker and you can depend on him. Being a fellow woodworker, he introduced me to working with hardwoods and gave me a piece of black walnut to experiment with. He was very proud of his woodworking and was very meticulous. I remember his quilt stand. He will be missed. My prayers.
Laurie & Anthony Curcuruto
#9
April 30th, 2020 3:48 pm
We were so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. He was truly a special man, and will be missed by many. Our hearts break for you. May God give you comfort and bless you. Sending Love and Prayers.
Laurie & Anthony Curcuruto
#8
April 30th, 2020 1:59 pm
We were so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. He was truly a special man, and will be missed by many. Our hearts break for you. May God give you comfort and bless you. Sending Love and Prayers.
Laurie & Anthony Curcuruto
#7
April 30th, 2020 12:34 pm
We were so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. He was truly a special man, and will be missed by many. Our hearts break for you. May God give you comfort and bless you. Sending Love and Prayers.
Din and Jim
#6
April 30th, 2020 9:09 am
Trudy: So sorry to hear of Ronnie. Always liked seeing you and Ron at your picnics. Always keep the memories in your heart. R.I.P. Ron
Karin Connelly
#5
April 29th, 2020 6:49 pm
Aunt Trudy, I am so sorry for the loss of "The Love Of Your Life". Always remember,"when things seem too difficult, look to the Beauty that surrounds you, Uncle Ronnie is and always will be there!! Love You!
Dana K Nitzsche
#4
April 29th, 2020 6:42 pm
My sincerest condolences go out to you, Trudy, and your family. Ron was one of a kind. I remember fondly all the knowledge he had to bestow, his eagerness and pride to share his many, many accomplishments, our games of chicken foot, walks at your house, eating left overs, parties, and his love for you and his doggies. I cherish those memories very much. My heart is with you. ❤️
Kay (Connelly) & Jim Hassett
#3
April 28th, 2020 9:20 pm
We were so sorry to learn of Ron's passing, Trudy. Our sincere love and condolences.
Kari Ann Payne
#2
April 28th, 2020 4:27 pm
Rest in Peace
Heather
#1
April 28th, 2020 12:06 pm
Trudy I am very sorry for your loss of your husband. We will miss his face at the diner. Prayers to you for strength!
Love, Heather
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