Daniel Zgolinski

Daniel ZGOLINSKI Daniel Zgolinski died very peacefully on February 18, 2010 at his Meridian Valley Country Club Home in Kent, Washington. He was 96 years old. Dan was born in the town of Franklin in King County in 1913. His parents and 2 sisters ultimately moved to the Renton area where he graduated from Renton High School. He participated in three major sports while in high school. Although Dan wanted to attend college, rough economic times prevented him from fulfilling that dream.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy for 39 months in an administrative role in the Seattle area. Upon his honorable release from the Navy, he found a job with Sears and Roebuck in Seattle where he ultimately worked for 30 years in various roles leading to sales management until his retirement at age 55 in 1968. Throughout the years, Dan became actively engaged in real-estate investment opportunities and became successful in many such ventures. He was a founding member of the Meridian Valley Golf Course in 1965 and throughout many years made many significant contributions of time and effort to that organization which helped to foster its success.

As a Catholic, Dan actively participated in church activities and stewardship throughout his life. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Covington and was a frequent attendee at Zion Lutheran Church in Kent. He was always an advocate for the underdog and truly realized the value of getting a college education to enhance ones opportunities for success in life. He actively supported the Green River Community College Foundation and was a past member of its board. He was responsible in 1985 for the doors of success in life to 36 students. Due to Dan's very significant financial contributions to Green River College, the college named a building in his honor in June of 2008. It is called the Dan Zgolinski Welcome Center and it will serve the needs of many thousands of students for years to come.

Dan enjoyed outdoor type activities. He was an avid trout, salmon and steelhead fisherman and liked bird hunting in eastern Washington during the pheasant and duck seasons. He also enjoyed golfing, world travels, and the social scene within Meridian Valley Country Club.

He had two wonderful marriages; however, he had no children. He was married to his first wife, Helen, for 48 years until her death and to his second wife, Evie, for 15 years until her death. Dan has 2 sisters, Agnes and Louis, and numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives who live in the local area. Dan was a very charismatic and always viewed life from the very positive side. He will be remembered for his extreme generosity, his integrity, his honesty and his service to others.

A viewing will take place on Tuesday from 12 pm to 7 pm at Greenwood Funeral Home at 350 Monroe Ave. NE in Renton and a Rosary will be held at 7pm. A Mass will be said at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 25810 156th Ave. SE in Covington on Wednesday morning at 11:00 am.A reception and lunch will follow immediately at that facility. Burial will take place at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Renton.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests remembrances to Green River Community College Foundation, 12401 SE 320th ST, Auburn, WA. 98092. Donor's choice of charity would also be appreciated.

Arrangements under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home, Renton, WA.