Obituary of Leonard D. Zaleski

Leonard D. Zaleski
“Zee”

Age 68, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer with his beloved family by his side.  He was born and raised on the Southeast Side of Chicago and has been a resident of Braidwood since 1999.  Leonard was a proud U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran serving in the Americal Division 11th Light Infantry Brigade “A” Company 4th Battalion of the 3rd Brigade, attaining the rank of Sergeant.   He retired from the CSX Railroad (formerly B & O Railroad) as a trainmaster after over 36 years of service in 2008.  

He was preceded by his parents, Dominick and Irene (nee Szumski) Zaleski; two sisters, Dorothy (Bill) Shone and Jean Yacobozzi; and one brother, Rich Zaleski.

Leonard is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Kris Zaleski of Braidwood; two sons, Phil (Donna) of Arlington Heights and Greg (Holly) Zaleski of Bourbonnais; two grandchildren, Ella and Ethan Zaleski; and long time friends, Bob and Alice Paulsen and Rich and Debbie Paulsen.  Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Funeral services for Leonard D. Zaleski will be Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL.  Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund."  The website address is www.vvmf.org.  Visitation will be held Monday, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.   For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com