Andrew Paul Zielinski

Andrew (Andy) P. Zielinski was born in Milford on April 11, 1967, son of Frank P. Zielinski and Florence (Kuzemka) Zielinski. Andy grew up working on tractors with his dad and developing a love for all things mechanical.   

In 1991, Andy married Donna (Loffredo) Zielinski, the love of his life and high school sweetheart. Soon after the birth of their first child, Andrew, they moved to Bethany, CT, where they raised their three children, nicknamed Doogie, Bobby Z, and Princess (all names lovingly chosen by Andy). Andy was most proud of his children and the home he built for them with Donna. A classic homebody, happy to relax in his favorite cozy chair, he was known for his sarcasm, dry sense of humor, and quick wit.

Andy loved to be outside – gardening, working on his tractors and trucks, relaxing with his wife and dog, or taking a nap after a long day of work. He was a landscaper and owned a welding business, using his expertise to restore antique trucks and tractors. He was an “Artist in Metal” and designed and built garden sculptures and furniture. Later in his life, Andy enjoyed many trips with Donna around the country, kindling his love for travel.

Summer was Andy’s favorite time of year, filled with trips to get ice cream, outdoor concerts, and tractor pulling. Andy was a hardworking man, giving the shirt off his back for any neighbor in need, a trait that he was passed on to his three children. To Andy’s initial dismay, his children convinced him to get a pet, but he soon realized his love for our dogs, Parker, Chloe, Quincy, Baxter, and Cooper.

Most recently, Andy was blessed with the gift of his first grandchild, Andrew Zielinski, III. Andy always enjoyed time with “Little Skippy” and couldn’t help but show his silly side with him.

Andy passed away unexpectedly at his home in Bethany on Saturday, May 15, 2021. He was preceded in death by his father Frank and his father- and mother-in-law, Gene and Pearl Loffredo.

Left to mourn his passing and to cherish his love and legacy are his beloved wife of 29 years, Donna; sons Andrew, Jr. (Drew) and his wife Victoria, Robert (Rob) and his wife Emily, and daughter Kathryn (Katy), his grandson Andrew III, and his mother, Florence Zielinski. Andy also leaves his sisters; Catherine Purzycki, Carolyn Schwab, Cecelia Bradley, and Christine Gleim; sisters- and brothers-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

In lieu of services, Andy asked his family to plan a remembrance concert with some of his favorite local musicians and wrote a setlist that includes songs that are meaningful to him and his life with Donna. More information to come. 

Please consider making donations in Andy’s memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Bethany Volunteer Fire Department.

Sleep tight, Dad. Dream about tractors.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew Paul Zielinski, please visit our floral store.