Milton J. Zankowsky passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022 at the age of 99. Born in Wilmington, DE, Milton was one of six children. His family was active in Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox church where Milt attended all his life. Growing up in Southbridge, Milt loved to play sports and fish in the Christina River. Milt’s specialty was baseball and he enjoyed discussing the ups and downs of the Phillies with his grandsons.
Milton started working for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) in 1941. In 1942 he joined the Navy and was a torpedo mechanic stationed at Pearl Harbor during WWII. Proud of his service, Milt rarely left home without his Navy hat. After the War, he returned to the PRR and worked there until he retired in 1984. He met the love of his life, Helen Grabowski in 1946 at Riverview Beach; they married in 1947. Milt looked forward to celebrating their 75th anniversary later this year. Their son, Michael was born in 1960. As a family, they enjoyed summers at the beach with the many aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family. Milton especially enjoyed sharing his love of fishing, trains and stamp collecting with Michael and later with his grandsons.
In retirement Milton had a “to do list” of the many projects Helen had waiting for him. It seems there was not much he could not fix! Together, they enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening and above all his two grandchildren Brian and Gregory. The boys enjoyed many hours with Milton helping in the garden, sharing what they were learning in school, and playing board/card games. Milton and Helen were a fixture at all events involving Brian and Gregory; sports, plays, graduations, and birthdays. It is a wonderful relationship that they will cherish forever.
Milton was predeceased by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Linda; and his grandsons, Brian and Gregory.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 14, 2022 at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church (1406 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19809). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
