Donald ‘Zeke’ Zabielski, played semi-pro ball

Donald J. "Zeke" Zabielski, 74, of Milford, formerly of Newark, passed away Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, at the Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. Mr. Zabielski was born Feb. 2, 1938, in Wilmington, the son of the late Martha J. (Olszewski) and Joseph T. Zabielski Sr.

A graduate of Salesianum High School Class of '56, he played semi-pro baseball for St. Anthony as a southpaw. He was signed by the 1957 World Champion Milwaukee Braves for the upcoming '58 season. After a short time he was injured, which brought his promising career to a halt. He then served his country through the U.S. Coast Guard.

Mr. Zabielski was employed with Delmarva Power (DP&L) and retired in 1994 after 38 years of service as a member of IBEW Local 1238. He was a member of Pulaski Legion and Knights of Columbus Council 3792. For many years he had interests in golf and gardening.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Donna Dougherty Zabielski; two daughters: Denise Z. Westbrook and husband Jasper of Lewes, and Diane J. Lehmann and husband William of Marriottsville, Md.; four grandchildren: Emma and Elise Westbrook and Hannah and Graham Lehmann; and a brother Edward A. Zabielski Sr. of Wilmington.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers: Joseph T. Zabielski Jr. and Edmund R. Zabielski; and his sister, Dolores R. Short.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 21, at Saint Edmond Roman Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where family and friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 32112 Vines Creek Road, Dagsboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.