Up Close with Resident Bill Zelinsky

Born in 1948, Bill grew up in West Oak Lane before moving to the Feltonville and Frankford neighborhoods of Philadelphia. He has fond memories of working alongside his father at the family grocery store in Frankford and growing up with his younger brother.

After graduating from La Salle University, Bill began teaching history at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School. Soon after, he was drafted into the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He served for four years aboard seven different ships, traveling throughout the Far East and visiting Hong Kong, Singapore, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

While serving in the Navy, Bill met the woman who would become his wife. She worked as a service record keeper, and the couple married in San Diego. Together they raised three daughters and are blessed with seven grandchildren.

After leaving the Navy, Bill worked for the United States Post Office in both Philadelphia and San Diego. He lived in San Diego from 1975 to 1977 before returning to Philadelphia, where he spent more than 20 years working at the Acme Warehouse as a member of the Teamsters Union. When the warehouse closed, he continued working for the Philadelphia Parking Authority for another five years before retiring.

Bill enjoys reading, especially history and comedy books. His favorite music comes from the oldies era, with The Four Seasons among his favorites. He also has a fondness for comedy and enjoys the television series Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

When it comes to food, Bill’s favorite is a cheeseburger from Nifty Fifty’s. Christmas tops his list of favorite holidays, and the day he married his wife is the one day he would choose to relive.

If Bill could share a dinner with anyone, he would choose his grandfather, whom he never had the chance to meet. Among his proudest accomplishments are graduating from La Salle University and building a life shaped by hard work, service, and family.

“I am most grateful for my health and my family. Kittens never fail to make me smile, and one of the things I enjoy most about living at Oakwood is the friendly, welcoming atmosphere.” says Bill.