Obituary of Donald J. Zolkiwsky
Donald J. Zolkiwsky, 77, passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, December 6, 2020 in South Plainfield.
Born in Jersey City to the late John and Mildred Zolkiwsky, Don grew up in Bayonne and settled in South Plainfield in 1970.
A Vietnam Veteran, Don was commissioned in 1964 from St Peter’s College, earned the rank of Captain in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1968. He was stationed in Germany with an Airborne Armored Cavalry Unit, and a basic training company at Fort Campbell, KY before serving with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam. Don was awarded numerous citations; including 3 Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal , Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, , National Defense Service Medal, Senior Parachutist Badge and two Overseas Bars.
A Past Commander of the Military Order of The Purple Heart Chapter 10; Don also served as the State Finance Officer. In addition, he was a member of the VFW Post 9111 in Kendall Park and just recently he was elected to the Hometown Heroes Veteran’s Recognition Program in South Plainfield.
Don worked at AT&T for 28 years in Murray Hill retiring in 1994 as the Executive Director of Procurement and after retirement opened D & D Financial Services. Don was a member of Trinity Reformed Church serving as a Deacon, Elder, Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee and Chairman of the Endowment Committee.
A true family man, Don was also a model train enthusiast and an avid boater and fisherman.
Predeceased by his brother, Dr. Walter Zolkiwsky, Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Deena; daughter, Donna Poston and her husband John of Florida; son, David Zolkiwsky and his wife Carla Crea of Flemington and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Cara.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 from 4-8pm in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 beginning at 9am followed by a 10am funeral service in the funeral home.
Don will be laid to rest along with the rendering Military Honors following the funeral service at Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 10, 527 O’Donohue Ave, So Plainfield, NJ 07080 or to the VFW Post 9111, 11 Henderson Road, Kendall Park, NJ 08824
During this ongoing pandemic, according to Executive Orders and the CDC guidelines, we kindly ask that face masks must be worn while visiting, to be mindful of physical distancing to the best of your ability, and are asking visitors to minimize time spent indoors to allow everyone a chance to pay their respects. We thank you for your understanding and for taking these precautions during this difficult time.