Anthony J. Zelenka

Anthony J. Zelenka, 80, of Washington, died at 8:31 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2006, following a brief illness. He was born April 10, 1926, in Enterprise, South Strabane Township, a son of Paul and Teresa Kolinek Zelenka. Mr. Zelenka was a steelworker at Universal Cyclops for 40 years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Washington, where he was a longtime usher, and a member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. Mr. Zelenka was a fan of Notre Dame football and enjoyed watching his granddaughters' softball games. During World War II, he served as a corporal in the U.S. Army and was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. On May 14, 1950, he married Amelia Karluk, who died February 18, 1973. Surviving are three sons, Anthony (Chris) Zelenka of Washington, Bernard "Dee" (Carolyn) Zelenka of Groveland, Mass., and Joe "Green" (Sophie) Zelenka of Fillmore, Calif.; two daughters, Bernadette (Lonnie) Hagger of Exeter, Calif., and Regina (Ron) Irwin of Claysville; a brother, Edward (Edith) Zelenka of Washington; a sister, Julie Kray of Canonsburg; 10 grandchildren, Loree Cole, Katrina and Kristen Zelenka, Adam and Abbey Zelenka, Christel, Kelsey and Joseph Anthony Zelenka, Melissa Amelia Zelenka and Cecilia Camps; and one great-grandchild. Also surviving is his longtime companion, Mary Pearson. Deceased are six brothers, Paul, John, Andrew, Martin, Steve and Charlie; and two sisters, Sophie and Mary. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, in Immaculate Conception Church with the Rev. William Feeney as celebrant. Burial will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.