Stanley R. Zielonka

February 21, 1942 - March 20, 2022

Stanley R. Zielonka, 80, passed away peacefully at Western MA Hospital on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Born February 21, 1942, son of the late Stanley V. and Alice M. (Korzeniowski) Zielonka, he was a Chicopee High School graduate. Stanley was a thirty-five year Chicopee Police Department patrolman and detective. He earned Associate Degrees in Criminal Science and Corrections from Holyoke Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Western New England College. Stanley was at the vanguard of drug enforcement in Western MA, and was instrumental in starting a drug unit in Chicopee. He attended a ten-week national training institute for drug enforcement in Washington, DC, and served as a Deputy Sheriff in Hampden County. Stanley was a member of the Army National Guard of Chicopee, and also contributed to his community with membership in Elks Lodge 1849 and Tigers A.C. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. Stanley is survived by his loving brother, Dennis C. Zielonka and his companion Lucie LaBonte of Chicopee; caring sister-in-law, Wanda Zielonka of Chicopee; nephews, Eric Zielonka and Craig Zielonka, both of Chicopee; and several cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Gerald P. Zielonka, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Family and friends are invited to calling hours for Stanley on Friday from 9-10:30AM at Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, followed by a funeral home service at 10:30AM. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, 627 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104.