Harold M. Zielinski

April 23, 1921 - Feb. 7, 2007
SOUTH BEND - Harold M. Zielinski, 85, passed away at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2007, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. He was born on April 23, 1921, to the late John S. and Sadie C. (Coyne) Zielinski in South Bend, and was a lifelong resident. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, John S. "Jack" Zielinski, Jr.; and two nephews, Jimmy Zielinski; and John S. Zielinski III.

Mr. Zielinski retired on March 31, 1984, as a tool & die maker with the University of Notre Dame, where he operated his own tool shop for the Chemistry Department since March 10, 1969. Previous to that, he worked at Studebaker Corporation until 1964, and then worked various sales jobs selling tools.

He was a 1939 graduate of Washington High School.

Harold was a lifelong bachelor. He is survived by his sister- in-law, Rita Zielinski of South Bend; two brothers, Edward "Butch" (Marge) Zielinski of South Bend; and Tom (Fran) Zielinski of South Bend; seven nieces; seven nephews; and 21 great- nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Zielinski was a lifetime member of St. Patrick Parish, where he was an usher for over 50 years. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II from 1943-1946, where he served on the U.S.S. Ross, which was partially sunk in late 1944 in the Leyte Gulf. The U.S.S. Ross became the longest towed ship in U.S. history, where it was towed for over three months from the Leyte Gulf to Mare Island in San Francisco, CA. This ship survived over 250 kamikaze attacks from the enemy.

Harold was a member of the Toastmaster's Club during the late 1940's and 1950's; and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, Santa Maria Council No. 553, where he served as a Past Grand Knight. He was an avid horse handicapper and lifelong Notre Dame Sports (especially football) enthusiast and loved to follow Notre Dame Football recruiting.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, February 11, 2007, in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, where a combined Knights of Columbus and Parish Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 12, 2007, in St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Rev. Leonard F. Chrobot officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 309 S. Taylor Street, South Bend, IN 46601. To send condolences, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit, www.kaniewski.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Feb. 10, 2007.

06/14/2023 EJS