Senate Resolution No. 651
BY: Senator PALUMBO
MOURNING the death of Zbigniew Wilinski,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Zbigniew Wilinski was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Zbigniew Wilinski, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Zbigniew "Ziggy" Wilinski, of Riverhead, New York, died on
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, Born in Germany on June 21, 1946, Zbigniew Wilinski was the
son of Stanislaw and Aurelia (Sottysiak) Wilinski; and
WHEREAS, The eldest of three siblings, Zbigniew Wilinski and his
family immigrated to the United States, via Ellis Island, when he was a
child; growing up, he was very into sports and learned pride for his
Polish heritage through his parents; and
WHEREAS, A member of Riverhead High School Class of 1964, Zbigniew
Wilinski went on to graduate from Suffolk County Community College; he
worked for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) before proudly serving his
country as a member of the United States Army from 1968 to 1971; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his valiant military service,
Zbigniew Wilinski returned to the USPS, eventually becoming Riverhead
Postmaster and a Regional Manager; and
WHEREAS, Zbigniew Wilinski and the former Wanda Bondarowicz were
united in marriage on July 15, 1972, at St. Isidore's Church in
Riverhead; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to both his
community and his heritage, Zbigniew Wilinski was a longtime commander
of the Riverhead Polish Hall and a driving force behind organizing the
popular Polish Festival, which draws thousands of people every August;
and
WHEREAS, A true icon in Riverhead's Polish community, Zbigniew
Wilinski served as president and manager of Riverhead Polish Hall, and
as a member of the Riverhead Polish Independent Club; he was a
congregant at St. Isidore's Church in Riverhead, and a past member of
the St. Isidore School Board of Education; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in recognition of his tireless devotion to his
community, the Riverhead Town Board will ceremoniously rename the
portion of Marcy Avenue around the Polish Hall, "Ziggy's Way," in his
honor; and
WHEREAS, Zbigniew Wilinski was an avid Mets fan who loved music and
polka dancing; while he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was spending time with his beloved grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, An eminent man of indomitable faith and dedication,
Zbigniew Wilinski will be remembered as a sincere and kind man with a
big smile who loved his family and his community, and whose public
service will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Zbigniew Wilinski he is survived
by his two children, Michelle and Mark (Sharon); his siblings, Barbara
Kolpak and Roman (Cathy); and two grandchildren, Adam and Austin; and
WHEREAS, Zbigniew Wilinski's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Zbigniew Wilinski leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Zbigniew Wilinski, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Zbigniew Wilinski.
