Carl Stephen Zilka

Carl Stephen Zilka, 85, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023, at his home in Bonita Springs, FL. Carl Zilka was born on August 13, 1938, in Bentleyville, PA, and was the middle child of Steve and Mary Zilka. He attended Bentleyville High School, where he was a football player, trumpet player and gymnast. Though he earned a gymnastics scholarship to WVU, he stayed closer to home and attended California State Teachers College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, while paying for his own tuition.

In November of 1962, he married Jenny Primeggia of Ambridge, PA, and set out to build a family and a lifetime of memories. They moved to Sandusky, Ohio, where Carl worked as a chemist at NASA, and welcomed his first three daughters.

Soon after, Carl accepted a position working with nuclear submarines with General Electric at the Knolls Atomic Power Lab, Schenectady, NY. Carl and Jenny settled in Saratoga Springs, NY, where they welcomed their fourth daughter and raised their family. Carl continued to work at KAPL in conjunction with the Kesselring Site until his retirement.

A kind, humble and gentle man, with an easy sense of humor, Carl served his family and community. In Saratoga Springs, he participated in the F.I.S.H. and Kiwanis organizations. He was also a member of the Board of Education for 5 years, and elected President from 1976-1977. While on the school board, he facilitated the building of the Geyser Crest School in a growing section of Saratoga. A fan of athletics, Carl supported his girls participation in sports, and took up skiing later in life to take them to local ski mountains. But Carl’s favorite pastime was golf and tennis. He played most of his adult life, earning club championships in both sports.

Carl enjoyed traveling the world with Jenny, but his most enjoyable trips were to visit his grandchildren, proudly attending their milestones from birth to college graduation.

Carl is survived by Jenny, his wife of 61 years; his four daughters: Gianine Crowell (Paul), Carla Zilka, Paula Zilka Colbert, and Lynn Zilka. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Ryan and Amanda Crowell; Max Leite; Matthew and Alex Colbert; and Isabella Perna.

A Christian Service, together with interment, will be celebrated on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, located at 525 111th Ave. N., Naples, Florida. A welcome reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.