Marine captain during Korean War traveled the world as Gillette salesman
Published in the May 31, 2017 edition
LYNNFIELD — Milan M. “Frank” Zilinek, 86, of Lynnfield, died on Monday, May 22, 2017 at the Atrium Assisted Living in Danvers.
Born in Marianna, Pennsylvania on June 10, 1930, he was the son of the late Ralph and Justina (Gajar) Zilinek. As a young child his family moved to the Bronx, New York where he spent his formative years.
Mr. Zilinek was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School in New York, Class of 1948, and Fordham University, Class of 1952. He served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Mr. Zilinek worked for the Gillette Company for 40 years in sales for various divisions, including Braun, Buxton, Safety Razor and Government Markets, his favorite, because he was able to visit military bases around the world. His successful career resulted in several home locations in the United States until he and his family settled in Lynnfield where he remained a resident for over 35 years.
Mr. Zilinek was the husband of the late Mercedes M. (Pacheco) Zilinek. He is survived by his two daughters, Karen A. Zilinek of Lynnfield and Joyce L. Zilinek of Peabody, and his brother, Victor A. Zilinek of Jupiter, Florida. He was the uncle of Darlene Errico of New York, Michele Leventhal of Florida, Eric Zilinek of New York, Nicholas Spano of New York, Rosemary Lozano of Florida and the late Susan Figueroa of South Carolina. Mr. Zilinek is also survived by numerous relatives from around the world.
His funeral was held from the McDonald Funeral Home of Wakefield on Friday, May 26 followed by a funeral Mass at the Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Lynnfield. Visitation for relatives and friends was held at the funeral home on Thursday evening. Interment was at the Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Milan M. “Frank” Zilinek to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.
