On December 24, 2022 Daniel R Zielinski (Dan) passed away at the age of 77.

Dan was born on November 7, 1945 in Buffalo, New York to Art and Martha Zielinski. After graduating from Boys Vocational High School, Dan joined the US Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, VA. During a week break from the service he went back to Buffalo NY and he married his high school sweetheart Marianne on September 18, 1965 and she then went with him back to Norfolk, VA. He served our country for 6 years and earned a degree in Electronics which he used that knowledge all through his life. It truly was his passion at every level. He was honorably discharged when he and his wife then moved to Cheektowaga , New York where he managed a Radio Shack which was perfect for him. They began their family with their son Rob, who was born in 1970 and then they chose to go to a warmer climate and built their home in Plantation Acres, Fl where they then had their daughter Anna, who was born in 1974. He said he would never go back to New York and he never did.

He worked for Motorola in Sunrise, Fl as an electronic technician for over 10 years. He then opened up his own electronics business "DB Electronics" where the motto was "We would learn it or duplicate it and make it better". It was always a quote we laughed about because he truly did that his entire life.

In the earlier years of his residence in Florida he obtained a Timeshare that took us to Topsider Resort in Marathon, Fl or to La Boca Casa in Boca Raton, FL every year where we spend the first 2 weeks of July as a family. Those memories still live on in all of us every day. They were by far the best memories we've ever had as a family. Till this day Dan would sing the song "Key Largo" because in the days growing up and going to the Keys that song was popular and played on the radio all the time. Us kids caught him dancing with mom on occasion when it would come on.  Now when we hear the song it has such a huge meaning to our heart.

Not wanting his children to grow up in their teens in Ft Lauderdale he and his wife chose to move to Tennessee and lived there for 5 years where their children graduated high school and then they immediately moved back to Florida in Port St Lucie. He loved electric/gas remote control cars, planes, trucks, helicopters, etc. So much so that he opened up a Hobby Shop while living in Tennessee and solely ran it during his residence there.

He then built a new home in Port St Lucie Florida and again opened another Hobby Shop and operated that until deciding to close it and work for the City of Port St Lucie with Benefits and retired from there in 2010.

Once retired, Dan and his wife stumbled upon a new hobby which they did up until last week. Cruising became their passion and with over 100 sails under their belt. They knew how to navigate any cruise ship and enjoyed every minute. In most cases they came back from a cruise where they cruised for free by winning on bingo or in the casino.

Dan was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in November of 2021. His care began at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa where he was scheduled for the Whipple surgery in April of 2022 to remove the cancer. Once the surgery began it was immediately aborted due to the findings of it being Stage 4 and chemo was now his only means to keep it at bay. He fought and had no intentions to stop. He said as long as the chemo is working he would keep taking it and he didn't care how sick it made him. Life was his intention. Unfortunately, other complications surfaced which ultimately took his life.

Dan is survived by his wife Marianne of 57 years, their son Rob Zielinski (Christine) and daughter Anna Leydens (Joey). He also leaves behind his grandson Gavin who he truly loved more that life! That little man could do no wrong. Gavin, know that Papa is always with you! He was so proud of you! His biggest regret was that he wouldn't be able to see you grow up!

Visitation will be held at Forest Hills Palm City Chapel ( 2001 SW Murphy Rd Palm City, FL) on December 29, 2022, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm .  Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm with Entombment following at 1:00 pm . A reception for friends and family will be at 1:15-3:15 and all are welcome.