Chester V. Zelenski of Southampton, and later Peconic Landing in Greenport, died on October 27, 2017. He was 94.
Mr. Zelenski was born July 19, 1923, the son of Joseph Zelenski and Stella Zabriski Zelenski. His brothers were Anthony, Joseph, John and Leo; and he had one sister, Anna Lyons.
A graduate of Southampton High School, he began serving in the U.S. Army in October 1945. On November 30, 1950, he married Anne Frances Zalewski at Our Lady of Poland Church in Southampton. He worked at Agawam in Sag Harbor as a machine operator, while his wife was employed by Southampton Hospital in the bookkeeping department. Agawam was later taken over by Northrop Grumman in Calverton, where he worked until he retired as parts supervisor. His wife predeceased him on August 14, 1986.
Mr. Zelenski took up golf at an early age by caddying at National Golf Links of America. His first loop was with none other than Charles Blair Macdonald, winner of the first U.S. Amateur championship in 1895 and architect/founder of National. As Mr. Zelenski’s interest in the game grew, so did his skill level. He became a member of Southampton Golf Club in 1943, where he won 13 club championships; the club championship trophy is now known as “The Chet.” At National he won 11 Goblets. Shinnecock has his name posted on its wall of tournament winners—twice. He won too many daily events to list. He played all over the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and Bermuda.
Survivors said he was known for his kindness and generosity.
He is survived by nephews, Paul Zelenski, Joseph Zelenski, Michael Zelenski and Terry Lyons, and nieces, Kathy McNamara, Patricia Meli and Linda Mattingly, and his close friend George Simonson, who was like a son to him.
Memorial donations may be made to the Southampton Firemen’s Benevolent Association, P.O. Box 1435, Southampton, NY 11969.
A memorial service will be held at Southampton Golf Club in the spring.
on Nov 6, 2017