Obituary of Robert J Zelinsky

Robert J. Zelinsky (85), of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2023, surrounded by friends and family after fighting lymphoma.

Bob, fondly known by certain former coworkers as Bo, was born to Michael and Ann Zelinsky on March 27, 1938 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Bob was a lifelong employee and supervisor at American Airlines and retired in 1995.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling with his wife (Judith “Judy” nee Jess) in their camper and on many cruises with friends.

Bob is predeceased by his wife, Judy, and daughter, Kim McElheny, as well as his parents. Bob is survived by his daughter, Denise Lysle, and four grandchildren: Ryan Lysle, Jeff McElheny, Kevin McElheny and Sarah Baker (husband Dillon) as well as four great-grandchildren: Ava, Kyle, Isaac and Bella.

He was a devoted husband to Judy, including throughout her battle with ALS. Bob and Judy met at American Airlines and enjoyed 30 years of happy marriage.

His love of golf included not just playing, but also working the pro tournaments in town with his wife and watching golf on TV.

Bob was passionate about volunteering at his church and through his membership in the Knights of Columbus. From the rummage sale to the fish fry, he gave generous amounts of his time and energy and made a positive impact on his community.

While he was an avid college sports fan who was passionate about Notre Dame, his favorite sport was giving others a hard time in a way they enjoyed, including his friends, doctors, and many restaurant servers that seemed to like him even more for the harassment.

In recent years, he enjoyed making trips to spend time visiting family in Cleveland and friends in Dallas, including his American Airlines extended family.

His optimism and ability to engage with others in his own unique way will be missed.

Special thanks to his many close and loyal friends… for the daily emails, weekly lunches out, phones calls, meeting him for coffee, and especially to Mike and Mary Rhodes who provided his transportation and support for more doctor appointments and errands in the last couple of years than one can count.

A memorial gathering will be held from 2-3:30 pm with a rosary at 3:30 pm at Adair Funeral home (Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. and Magee) on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, followed by a memorial mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (8650 N. Shannon) on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 10:30 am. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Knights of Columbus or the American Cancer Society in Bob’s name.

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