Obituary of Joseph L. Zeleznik

Joseph L. Zeleznik, age 87, of Pleasant Valley, passed away on May 1, 2024 after a brief
illness.
Joe was born in Poughkeepsie on February 17, 1937, the son of Joseph A. and Dorothy E.
(Stout) Zeleznik.
In 1962, Joe married Joan D. Robinson in Poughkeepsie. She predeceased him on March 9,
2017. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his sister, Lorraine Zeleznik.
Joe was a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, Class of 1955. After graduation, he began a
37-year career with IBM, taking a military leave to serve in the United States Army from 1958 to
1961. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, Joe resumed his career with IBM, first in
Poughkeepsie and then in East Fishkill in management and various staff positions. He retired in
1991.
Joe was a local resident all of his life. He was a member of the Poughkeepsie ELKs BPOE 275,
American Legion Post 1302 and a life member of the Viola Rod and Gun Club. When his sons
were in scouting, Joe volunteered as a scout leader, accompanying them to the National
Scouting Jamboree and Philmont Scout Ranch.
Joe was a life-long athlete, playing baseball and basketball in high school. During his years in
the army, Joe bowled and played fast-pitch softball, which continued into his civilian life, bowling
a perfect 300 game and being a respected player and hitter on the softball field. He was an avid
golfer and outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping, sharing his love of the
outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed his Friday & Saturday lunches at the
Elks Club, and his many afternoons at the American Legion.
Joe is survived by his son and daughter in-law Joseph and Sharon (Eberle) Zeleznik of
Poughkeepsie, son Michael Zeleznik and fiancé Donna Mortensen of Hyde Park, grandchildren
Stephanie, Kathryn, James, and Hannah. He is also survived by his sister Linda O’Connell of
Gloucester VA., along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Among his many gifts was his ability to tell stories, and could be heard telling a story or two
around many a campfire or among his family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday May 17, 2024 from 4pm to 8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral
Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday 9:30am at St. Martin DePorres Cedar Valley
Road Poughkeepsie.
Burial will follow with Military Honors at St. Peter’s Cemetery Poughkeepsie.
If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at
www.doylefuneralhome.com