Stephen James Zalinski

Stephen James Zalinski, of Durham, North Carolina, died at the age of 81 on May 23rd, 2026. Steve was a loving husband, dad, grandfather (“Papa”), and brother to his family. He was also a coach, mentor, and friend to many. Steve’s life was defined by his love for his family and his passion for tennis.

Steve was born on January 5, 1945, in Chicago to parents, John and Stephanie. He was the youngest of three boys. Steve grew up in the Irving Park area of Chicago and rooted for the Bears, Cubs, and Bulls. His passion for tennis came from his parents: Both of his parents were ranked #1 during the 1930s. They taught Steve not just how to play tennis, but how to compete with character and sportsmanship. Because of his dedication and desire to compete, he was known to bike miles across Chicago for a good match. Steve attended Carl Schurz High School in Chicago where he also played football. Legend has it that future football hall of famer Dick Butkus broke Steve’s nose on the gridiron solidifying Steve’s love of tennis.

After high school, Steve received a scholarship to play tennis at DePaul University where he was later inducted into the DePaul Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding play, sportsmanship and leadership. Steve was the #1 ranked player in Chicago several times during the 1960s and 1970s, and was the 1981 USTA National Parks singles and doubles champion. He served as the Head Tennis Pro at the Lake Forest Club and Director of the Mid Town Tennis Club in Chicago. Steve received his Masters of Business Administration from Loyola University in 1972.

Steve’s passion for tennis led to the love of his life: Steve met Kathy McBreen on the tennis court at Mid Town Tennis Club in Chicago. They married on May 18th, 1974 and settled in Deerfield, IL. Over the years, they welcomed three beautiful daughters — Kelly, Courtney, and Shannon. Steve and Kathy raised their daughters with love and tennis. The time spent on the court and long car rides to tournaments is most fondly remembered as quality time spent together as a family. While continuing to coach his girls, Steve transitioned his career from tennis pro to tennis sales, working for Wilson Sporting Goods and Prince Manufacturing before his time at Dunlop. Also, Steve briefly had an ownership stake in the hot dog restaurant “Dear Franks” in Deerfield, IL.

Steve and his family moved to South Carolina in 1992, when he became the Vice President of Sales for Dunlop, a position he held for 18 years. Steve made a big impact on tennis in South Carolina. He served on the board of the Lowcountry Youth Tennis Association and the Lowcountry Tennis Association. In 1996, the Zalinskis received the USTA SC Tennis Family of the Year Award. Steve’s coaching led to success for his daughters who earned tennis scholarships to Notre Dame, University of North Carolina, and Western Carolina.

Steve was recognized as the Nicest Male in the tennis industry by Tennis Week magazine in 1999.

After retiring from Dunlop in 2007, Steve worked for the USTA Southern Section for 10 years before retiring in 2017. In this role he worked tirelessly and drove countless miles to promote youth tennis, introducing and encouraging new approaches to better teach young players. He frequently spoke to the parents and junior players on various topics including the importance of good sportsmanship and having fun while playing. Steve frequently volunteered his time with Family Circle Cup, which is now the Credit One Charleston Open.

As a result of his many contributions, Steve was inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017 and received many other awards throughout his career.

He also shared his passion and knowledge of tennis with his four grandchildren.

Steve’s warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit will be greatly missed by those who knew him. The impact he made on the tennis community will be felt for generations to come. But most importantly, his impact on the countless people he touched through coaching, friendship, and love will never be forgotten.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents John and Stephanie Zalinski of Chicago, IL and his brother David Zalinski of Chicago, IL.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen (McBreen) Zalinski; his three daughters: Kelly Riely and husband Tim (Raleigh, NC), Courtney Zalinski (Charleston, SC), and Shannon Thomas and husband Martin (Raleigh, NC); his grandchildren Connor Riely, Anna Riely, Charlie Thomas, and Millie Mac Thomas; and his brother Michael Zalinski (Mount Prospect, IL).

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 5, at 11:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 11401 Leesville Road in Raleigh. Mr. Zalinski will be interred in the church columbarium following Mass, with a reception at Carolina Arbors Piedmont Hall immediately following.

To honor Steve’s love of family and passion for tennis, contributions may be made to Duke Children’s Hospital or the DePaul University Tennis.

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