Daniel Charles Zilinski, 50, died tragically on May 31, 2024. Beloved husband of Jen, adoring father of James and Emma, and cherished son and family member, Dan will greatly missed by all who knew his loving heart.
Dan started his life as a rising star athlete and friend to all. As a teenager, he was stricken with a virus that created significant disabilities for him. What made Dan a remarkable human is that he learned to live triumphantly with his challenges. He faced his adversities with courage, grace and humor powered by an unfathomable source of positivity that endured for his entire lifetime. May this inspiring example continue to be Dan’s legacy.
Not one to let these challenges stop him, Dan graduated from Dover Sherborn High School and continued on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Providence College where he loved cheering on his teams in the Pep Band. His proudest achievement in life, however, could be found within the beautiful family he and Jen created. He loved them all, so much, and was a wonderful father and husband.
Beyond his family, Dan’s joys included being a fan to all Boston sports teams, growing vegetables in his garden, collecting coins, and spending time at home caring for his family, dogs and cats. Dan’s most recent form of entertainment was finding choice “dad jokes” and riddles to share on a daily basis with family and friends.
Dan is survived by his wife, Jennifer Zilinski and his two children, Emma and James. He is also survived by his steadfast mother, Janet Zilinski, his brother Todd Zilinski and family Melissa, Zoe and Tyler and his sister Tina and husband Craig Bardenheuer and family Hans, Charlie and Will. Dan was predeceased by his father, James Zilinski, last year.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, June 10, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Cartmell -Davis Life Celebration Funeral Home 619 State Road Plymouth.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday June 11, at 10 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Church 801 State Road, Plymouth.
There will be a private burial service at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lakes Region Disabled Sports program at lradaptive.org