Joseph D. Zolik, decorated veteran

Joseph D. Zolik, 85, of Milford passed away peacefully Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Kent General Hospital in Dover, surrounded by his loving family.

Joseph (Joe) was born in Syracuse, N.Y., Aug. 23, 1931, to Polish immigrant parents. He was a decorated Korean Conflict and Vietnam War veteran, and retired after 23 years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a chief master sergeant. He furthered his career with 17 years at Scott Paper Company before retiring a second time.

He was involved with the United Service Organizations (USO) at Dover Air Force Base, the Red Cross and was a member of both Veterans of Foreign Wars and Milford Elks Lodge.

Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His passion was reading, Facebook and he could always be seen with his iPad.

He loved to discuss and debate with family about world politics, culture and travel. He enjoyed country music, was an avid dog lover, and he shared many stories of his adventures in life with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Joseph and Alexandra Zolik, Joseph is preceded in death by his son John, granddaughter Allie, brothers, Mathew and Peter, and sisters Jennie and Genevieve.

He recently celebrated 63 years of marriage and is survived by his wife Florence (Candy); his children Pamela (Richard) Simpson, Damian Zolik, Kathy Farrahar (Harry Parkinson), Marcy (Michael) Davis and Joel Zolik; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; his brother Leo Zolik; sister Virginia Drabot; and nieces and nephews.

Services will be Thursday, March 30, at St. John's Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Ave., Milford, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Joseph D. Zolik to: Alzheimer's Association, 108 N. Bedford St., P.O. Box 625, Georgetown, DE 19947, or m.alz.org/donate.asp Tribute/Memorial Donations.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.