Worcester Police Officer William J. “Billy” Zelenak, 66, of Millbury, passed away Tuesday, February 3rd 2009 surrounded by his family after a brief illness.

   Bill was born in Trenton New Jersey on December 30th 1942, the son of John and Elizabeth (Ratcliff) Zelenak. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He then returned to serve the City of Worcester community more than 37 years as a Police Officer before retiring in 2008. During his Police career, he served the department in the Operations division, Impact division and the last 17 years in the Traffic Division Accident Reconstruction team.

   Billy is survived by his wife and partner of 40 years, Eileen M. (Hurley) Zelenak; his three devoted children, William Zelenak, Jr. and his wife Christine of Sturbridge, Terry J. Quinn of Millbury and Deanna M. Dell’Olio of Worcester; two cherished grandchildren, Lauren and Alyssa; his stepmother, Delores Zelenak of Millbury; a brother, Mark Zelenak of Millbury; a sister, Cyndi Agbey of Grafton; many nieces and nephews. A brother, John Zelenak predeceased him.

   He was a member of St. Brigid’s Church, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, the Massachusetts Police Association, and the Worcester Police Credit Union. His family was his greatest treasure. He enjoyed their company and cherished their accomplishments and activities. Billy was enthusiastic about photography and computers but most of all he loved his job serving the citizens of Worcester.

   The funeral will be held Friday, February 6th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Brigid’s Church, 59 Main St. Millbury. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday, February 5th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Police Fight for Life Foundation, care of the Chief’s Office, 9-11 Lincoln St., Worcester 01608.