Contributions to the tribute of John J. Zielkowski

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Wednesday, January 24, 2024

I remember a day many years ago when my son, Michael, and Matthew were children. Betty Ann and I were sitting downstairs in her family room with our children when John arrived home from the office. Betty Ann proudly and happily greeted John with a kiss, hug, and congratulations on his promotion to a V.P. position at Goldman Sachs. I like to remember happy days such as that in their life. My family and I spent many joyful days in their home celebrating meaningful occasions and several New Year's Eves. I like to dwell on those happy days and pray that John and Betty Ann have now been reunited for eternity.

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Belinda Raghunath lit a candle

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

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Debbie Hawksby posted a condolence

Sunday, January 21, 2024

(Uncle) John was brilliant and successful. He liked to challenge some rules. He thought he was too smart for school when he was young but was smart enough to make sure his children had a very good education. He had a great sense of humor which was often subtle and with good timing. He provided many hours of "tech support" to my parents over the years. He met his true love (Aunt) Betty Ann and they created two wonderful children, Matt and Amanda. He had a great career at Goldman Sachs and worked for a time at the company I work for. When he left after completing a project, the manager was in tears - he certainly had a big impact on people in addition to his expertise. One memory I'd like to share is from many years ago, a spring day in my parents house in Long Island. He pulled me aside when no one was around and handed me a large bill from his wallet and simply said, "happy birthday, and don't tell anyone!" The point is, it was an act of kindness just shared between us. It was special. He will be missed by me and many more. Thank goodness for his impact and for having our happy memories.

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Michael Raghunath lit a candle

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Matt and I were about 1 week shy of 5th grade graduation. There was one particular classmate of his who was known for *years* to frequently speak with expletives. Sometimes we would make fun of her behind her back for this reason (maybe not the most mature thing to do, but we were still children and the level of potty mouth on this girl was absurd!). Anyway, when Matt and I would talk on the phone, Matt appreciated my impersonations of cartoon characters. There's one particular antagonistic Disney character from, Toy Story named Sid. On this particular evening in June 1997, I was reciting lines of Woody from Toy Story, using my imitation of Sweary Classmate's voice, and every time Woody would say Sid's name, I would replace the name with a particular curse word referring to excrement (thus making fun of Sweary Classmate). Matt was laughing so hard this night that he was losing his breath. Eventually I didn't hear Matt laughing anymore and thought he was just out of breath, so I kept cursing up a storm in jest. Then I heard John's booming and stern voice on the other side say, "Michael, that's not very nice!". Needless to say, I was shook. I was upset that I was acting in a manner that John reprimanded me. I was so embarrassed. I kept that guilt with me all week, through graduation day. Afterwards, we went to Millard Fillmore's Restaurant, and on the way in, I walked up to John and sincerely apologized for my faux pas. He smiled, gave me a hug, told me not to worry about it, and congratulated me on graduating. I was so relieved. Now as an adult with a wry sense of humor, I look back on that day on the phone with John, and imagine he must have laughed to himself after giving the phone back to Matt. We'll miss you John!

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Victor Martinez posted a symbolic gesture

Thursday, January 18, 2024

My deepest condolences for your family’s loss. I have so many fond memories of being with all of you. I remember all of us being in his computer room playing NHL on his PC. I’m keeping you all in my prayers. Love Always, Victor and Maria Martinez

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The family of John J. Zielkowski uploaded a photo

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

John J. Zielkowski

1954 - 2024

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