E. Mark Zielinski, 65, on September 11, 2024

E. Mark Zielinski, 65 , beloved husband of Elizabeth (Libby) Murphy-Zielinski, of Attleboro, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024 after an incredible 10 year battle with brain cancer. Mark was a unicorn who long outlived his initial diagnosis.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Libby, who was his staunchest ally in his fight against this disease, and their two children, Robert and Alexa. He is survived by his sister by proxy, Margaret Downey and her husband Steve Gilmore of Barnstable MA, He is also survived by his sister Janet (Joseph) Katalina of Island Pond VT and his brother, Alan Zielinski of Westfield, MA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.

Born in Westfield MA to Evelyn (Herman) and Edward Zielinski. He was raised and educated in Westfield public schools and graduated from UMASS Amherst. His life long career in public service began in Boston with the Office of Capital Planning under Mayor Ray Flynn, and then the Water and Sewer Commission under Mayor Tom Menino. He met his wife, Libby in January 1988 on a set up by friends Jim and Wendy Curran at a Bobby Mcferrin Concert. They quickly became a couple, although neither one was looking to get “involved”! She asked him to be her Valentine and the rest is history! They lived in Jamaica Plain for a number of years and then built their home in Attleboro. Mark began working for Barnstable County in 1994, initially as Treasurer then County Administrator and Treasurer and continued in that role until his retirement in 2015.

Mark was an avid bicyclist who enjoyed long rides on the Cape Rail Trail, along the CC Canal, as well as the East Bay Bike Path in RI. He rode the Five Boro Bike Tour in NYC with his son, Rob, and they also rode the original Boston Bikes route. Mark also completed the Flattest Century in the East ride. His longest and best riding friend was Margaret Downey, his colleague from Barnstable County.

Mark and Libby traveled extensively in Europe, and brought back wonderful stories and memories. They also enjoyed traveling in the US with their children. They spent many summer vacations at the family cottage in Pinehurst Beach, Wareham and frequented NH. Ultimately Mark liked to be home, with his family.

He was an excellent chef who will always be remembered for his wonderful Thanksgiving dinners. It was his favorite holiday and his turkey was always cooked to perfection! An experimental and adventurous chef and baker, his results weren’t always the hit he hoped for.

Libby will miss Mark’s “supervision” when she tended her garden, where his helpful suggestions were often ignored. He delighted in their summer bounty, especially the basil pesto and cucumbers and medicinal cannabis. They enjoyed competing with each other for the best times completing the daily Mini Crossword in the New York Times.

Visitation, to which relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend, will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Sperry & McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Mark’s honor by the Reverend David A. Costa on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church (Transfiguration of the Lord Parish), 14 Park Street, North Attleboro. Interment will be held privately at a later date. The family requests that those attending the funeral please report directly to the church that morning. There will be no public procession leaving from the funeral home.

Those wishing to express their sympathy to the family may make a donation in Mark’s memory to the Sturdy Health Oncology Clinic by mailing a check to Sturdy Health Foundation, 211 Park Street, P.O. Box 2963, Attleboro, MA, 02703. Please write Mark’s name and “for Oncology Clinic” on the memo line of the check. Those wishing to donate may also do so online by visiting www.sturdyhealth.org