W. Lee Ziomek, 79, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, he leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 51 years Vivian Ziomek, son Alexander Ziomek and his wife Melissa Fedor, daughter Megan Ziomek-Feldman and her husband Brian Feldman, and four grandchildren, Sofia Ziomek, Eve Ziomek, Caitlyn Feldman and Andrew Feldman.
Lee was born in Trenton, New Jersey on August 21, 1938. He was the son of Walter Ziomek and Florence Dailey, both deceased. Lee joined the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for two years. The rest of his six year enlistment was spent at Lakehurst Naval Base in Lakehurst, New Jersey.
Lee met his wife Vivian in 1963 and they married in 1966 in Franklin Park, New Jersey. He attended Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and received a degree in Business Administration. He was employed by Rutgers University as a Buyer in the University's Purchasing Department and soon after became a Senior Buyer. Later on he was promoted to Director of Materials Management, and held this position until his retirement in 1993 after working 25 years for Rutgers University. Soon after his retirement he moved to Florida with his wife and his two children. While in Florida he started his second career with ACTS Retirement Communities where he became the Purchasing Manager for the Southern Region. He worked for ACTS for 12 years. In 2007, Lee retired from ACTS to pursue other interests and spend more time with his family.
Lee had a passion for volunteering and helping others. While living in New Jersey, Lee was a volunteer fireman for the Jackson Township Fire Department where he volunteered for 7 years, and became an elected Fire Commissioner. He also volunteered many hours for St. Veronica Catholic Church and School in Howell, N. J. One year he gave over 700 hours of his time to the church while physically renovating the school library. Additionally, he was in charge of two church festivals and single handedly built all the booths used for the festival.
After moving to Florida, Lee joined the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Volunteer Bicycle Unit and became the bicycle safety instructor to the 94 member unit. He volunteered many years at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and 20 years at Sunfest, an annual festival in West Palm Beach, Florida. Additionally, he volunteered for the Grassy Waters Wildlife Refuge and also served as a Chimpanzee Observer at Lion Country Safary, associated with the Jane Goodall Institute, an activity which he found to be fun and extremely interesting.
Lee was a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington, Florida. He was a man of deep faith and devoted to his church.
Lee had a passion for Rutgers University, especially the football team which he followed for years and attended all home games, and most away games while living in New Jersey. Even after moving to Florida, Lee remained an avid Rutgers fan, and during the college football season he would always be found in front of the TV cheering on his Scarlett Knights. Lee never missed a Rutgers game.
The Marine Corps was another one of his passions. He was so proud to have been a Marine. The Marine Corps shaped his character and deepened his sense of duty. He lived by their motto "Semper Fi", which means Always Faithful.
Lee was an exceptional man who enjoyed life to the fullest. When someone would ask "How are you doing?" he would usually respond with "Another Day in Paradise". All that knew him, especially his wife, children and grandchildren will forever keep him in their hearts.