Francis A Zielinskie

Coal Township-Francis A. Zielinskie “Punch”, 86, of 2255 Jackson Street, passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Punch was born in Danville on October 11, 1935, to the late Alphonse “Ike” and Margaret (Omlor) Zielinskie. He graduated from Shamokin High School in 1953. On January 21, 1956, in St. Edwards Church, he married Gloria Kolonoski, who survives.

In addition to his wife, Francis is survived by a son, David Zielinskie and his wife, Ann Marie of Irish Valley; a daughter, Lee Ann Pottoroff of Coal Township; a brother, Joseph Zielinskie; A sister, Margie Buriak; a Grandson, Michael Zielinskie; four Granddaughters, Samantha Zielinskie, Leimomi Pottorff, Sashell Pottorff, and Danielle Yoncuski, two great grandchildren, Olivia Schmidt, and Hudson Bartholomew; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Punch loved the game of football and began his coaching career in the early sixties with the little league Shamokin Tigers, winning numerous championships in the coming decade. Punch later went on to coach at the high school level for Shamokin and Danville for a combined 17 years. When Punch wasn’t coaching, he could be found on quiet streams fishing for trout or in crowded stadiums watching the New York Yankees.

His trademark belly laugh could be heard at the Liberty Fire Company or the Independence Fire Company; he was a lifetime member of both. To worship, Punch would attend mass at Our Lady of Hope Church on Sundays—one of the few days he wasn’t hard at work. Punch and his wife Gloria worked well together; they owned and operated Glo Zel’s Art Store in Shamokin for over 20 years. His steady hand was evident in the thousands of custom frames he built in the back room.

Punch was a kind and jovial man who will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Francis A. Zielinskie, 86, of 2255 Jackson Street, Coal Township – Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 20, 2021, at 1:00 pm with Deacon Robert Wislock, officiating at Farrow-C.J. Lucas Funeral and Cremation Service, 240 W Chestnut Street, Shamokin, PA, Lori Ann Campbell, Supervisor. Visitation will be held from 11:30 Am until the time of service. Burial will be held at a later date. To send condolences to the family please visit www.farrowfh.com

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