William E. Zielonka

William "Bill" E. Zielonka Sr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. Bill, one of seven children, was born on August 16, in Glen Burnie, Maryland, to the late William J. Zielonka Sr. and Harriett Zielonka.

Bill dedicated his life to public service and community safety. He served as a Reserve Chief with the Orange County Fire Rescue Department alongside his work with the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority. Even in retirement, Bill continued serving his community as a Community Liaison and School Crossing Guard with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.

Above all, Bill will be remembered for his humor and the happiness he brought to family and friends. He had a natural ability to make people laugh and lift the spirits of everyone around him.

A devoted husband, he leaves his beloved wife, Sherry Zielonka, with whom he shared 53 wonderful years. He is also survived by his sons, William E. Zielonka II (Shannon) and Michael L. Zielonka (Laura); his four grandsons, one granddaughter; one great-grandson and his siblings: Patricia Wilson (Ken), Jackie Johnson (Darrell), Linda Fulmer (Skip), Harriett Blackwell, and Deborah Zielonka. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Kathy Luck.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on March 6, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. James Cathedral in Orlando, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to  Scouting America in honor of Bill’s lifelong achievement as an Eagle Scout.