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Obituary and life story submitted by the family.

R

onald Zielinski, 77, of Oriental NC, passed away peacefully on 20 May 2025 after a well-lived life.

Captain Ronald Zielinski

Born in NY, Ron developed a love for the water and outdoors from a young age, a passion that blossomed into a lifelong pursuit of fishing and the outdoors.

He was a charter boat captain in NY, and later called Oriental his home with his wife Linda. Ron was an integral part of completing Artificial Reef 396 off the coast of Oriental, bringing more fish and wildlife to the area.

Whether casting a line in a quiet lake, battling a striper in the Hudson River, or simply enjoying the serenity of the ocean, Ron found solace and joy on the water. He was a patient and skilled fisherman, always willing to share his knowledge and a good fishing story with anyone who would listen.

More than just a fisherman, Ron was a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather. He was preceded by his late wife Linda. Ron is survived by his sister Barbara Jewett; his children Juli (spouse Jon), Brian (spouse Nikole), and step-son Chris (spouse Kelly); and his grandchildren Maria, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Jacob, Joshua, Marley, Skylar, and Alexander. Ron will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, 30 August at Lou Mac Park next to the pier at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Posted Friday August 22, 2025 by Allison DeWeese