Obituary
Gale Edward Zelnick, 76, of Mt. Dora, Florida, passed away August 13, 2016. He was born in Oak Park, IL, on July 9, 1940 to the late Edward Zelnick and Evelyn (Hadl) Zelnick. He was married for 45 years to Christine.
He earned his Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University. He moved from Illinois to north Florida in 1965 and moved to central Florida in 1968. For 30 years, he was a College and High School Educator, teaching the sciences. After retiring from the school system, he spent 20 years as an antique dealer, buying and selling antique oil lamps with his wife, Christine, while traveling through the Eastern Coast. He was a fossil collector, a duck decoy collector, a hunter, and a fisherman.
He was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Christine (Miller) Zelnick of Mt. Dora, FL; sons Ron Zelnick, Altamonte Springs, FL and Alan Zelnick, Altamonte Springs, FL; grandsons Matthew Zelnick, Altamonte Springs, FL, and Zachary Zelnick, Apopka, FL; sister Noel Joy (Zelnick) Seebauer (and William), Geneva, IL; nephews Brian and Scott Seebauer; daughter-in-law Tammy (Zelnick) Hollenback, (mother of Matthew/Zachary); and former wife Karen Jean (LeRoy) Hamilton, (mother of Ron/Alan and grandmother of Matthew/Zachary).
Arrangements are under the care and trust of Baldwin Brothers Funerals & Cremations, Tavares, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
A private family memorial/celebration of life will be held at a later date. His ashes will be scattered by his sons with a small portion lovingly kept by his wife, Christine, until she can be joined with him forever.
Leave a reply