Herman J. Zielinski, age 86 of Waterford, died Friday, September 13, 2013 at Pleasant Ridge Manor East. He was born in Erie on March 9, 1927 and was the son of the late John and Joanna Gorny Zielinski.

A graduate of Erie Technical High School, Herman entered the United States Army Air Corps and served until his honorable discharge in 1947. He married Marilyn A. Perry on July 20, 1950, and she preceded him in death on January 31, 2001. Herman worked as a machinist, retiring from Erie Press Systems in 1989, and he operated a farm on Benson Road in Waterford. In his retirement, Herman enjoyed rebuilding tractors and cars. He was a member of All Saints Parish in Waterford.

Surviving family members include two sons– David Zielinski and his wife Cathy DiGilarmo Zielinski of Erie, and Carl Zielinski of Waterford; a grandson Aaron Zielinski of Waterford; and a brother– Thomas Zielinski of Idaho. In addition to Herman’s wife, Marilyn, he was preceded in death by two sisters– Margaret Williams and Dolores Blystone.

Visiting hours will be at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Monday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral services will begin there Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at All Saints Parish at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Fr. Thomas Whitman.

Memorials may be made to the family.