Obituary

ZELEK Stanley Michael, 92, Johnstown, died Monday, July 11, 2011. Born April 13, 1919, in Johnstown, son of Michael and Angeline (Golash) Zelek.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen Katherine (Ponczek) Zelek, whom he married Aug. 12, 1944, and three children, Donna Lee Kelly, married to Richard Kelly, St. Michaels, Md.; Sandra Zelek Lear, Indiana, Pa.; and Stanley M. Zelek Jr., married to the former Myrt Lozar, Corning, N.Y., and Tokyo, Japan.

In addition, eight grandchildren, Kristen Vilseck Scott, Richmond, Va.; Joseph R. and Meghan (Mackenzie) Vilseck III, Chesterfield, Va.; William, Lear II, Pittsburgh; Jonathan and Julie (Hendershot) Lear, Pine Brook, N.J.; Dr. Lindsey Lear, and fiance, Matthew McEwen, Pittsburgh; Jason Zelek, Arlington, Va.; 2nd Lt. Aaron Zelek, Fort Campbell, Ky.; and Lauren Zelek, Richmond, Va.

He has two great-grandchildren, Addison Lear and Benjamin Lear, both of Pine Brook, N.J. He also is survived by brother, Blaine Zelek, Johnstown, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walter, Joseph, Michael and Robert Zelek; and sister, Sophie (Zelek) Milhelic.

He was a graduate of the former Franklin High School, Class of 1937. Stanley had retired after 40 years of service as a millwright from the Gautier Division, Johnstown, Plant, Bethlehem Steel Corp. He also was a former Justice of the Peace in Conemaugh Township. A graduate of OCS School, 2nd Lt. Stanley Zelek served in World War II as a tank maintenance officer in the 15th Battalion, 6th Armored Division, General Pattons 3rd Army at the Battle of the Bulge. A member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church, the Franklin VFW Post 5107, Richland American Legion and the Association of Retired Military Officers.

Mr. Zelek and his wife were avid polka dancers and great followers of Johnstown Button Box. Stanley was a mechanic enthusiast and he loved working with his hands.

Friends received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. 1521 Frankstown Road, Johnstown, where funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. Committal, Forest Lawn Cemetery with military honors by VFW Menoher Post 155. Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Exclusive Provider of Veterans & Family Memorial Care.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, North Hampton, MA or the Cambria County Library, 248 Main St. Johnstown.