Holyoke Mourns Death of Officer Zolendziewski
February 17, 2010
A Holyoke, Massachusetts police officer and IBPO Local 388 member who was known for his outreach work with the city’s youth has died from injuries he sustained in a December 28th accident.
Brother David Zolendziewski, 53, of nearby Springfield, died late last week of complications from injuries he sustained nearly two months ago when his police cruiser skidded on ice and struck a tree.
Zolendziewski was respected for his exemplary work as the resource officer at Holyoke High School, where he demonstrated his gifts for working with teens and conflict resolution. He also co-founded the city’s “Pizza with Police” program, which helped local children get to know their police officers over pizza. As a DARE officer, Zolendziewski arranged summer trips to Maine for students, organized the summer camp at Holyoke Community College, and convinced New England Patriots players to play basketball with local police officers for school fund-raisers.
“Brother Zolendziewski showed generations of young people in Holyoke that police officers are the ‘good guys,’” said David J. Holway, IBPO national president. “His passing is a terrible loss to his family, his department and his community.”
Brother Zolendziewski is survived by his wife, Linda; three sons, Craig of Florida, Scott and his wife Amy of Fort Bragg, and Zachary at home; a step-daughter, Cheyenne Catalfamo and her husband Tony of Springfield; two grandchildren, two brothers, and several nieces and nephews.
A wake for David Zolendziewski will be held on Wednesday, February 17 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Holyoke’s Blessed Sacrament Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a fund for Zachary Zolendziewski, c/o Bank of America, 1889 Wilbraham Road, Springfield MA 01129 (attention Cheryl) or to the Shriner’s Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield MA 01104.