Alan J. Zaleski

Alan J. Zaleski, 82, of Vermilion, died Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Mercy Regional Medical Center after battling an illness for several years. He was born August 12, 1942 and had been a resident of Vermilion for the past 35 years moving from Elyria. Alan was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marines, serving during the Vietnam War as a reconnaissance helicopter pilot, where he was awarded many medals of honor, including a Purple Heart. He received a bachelor's degree in Economics from Ohio University. Following his time in the military, Alan began working as a stock broker and became the Assistant Vice President of his company. His commitment to politics and community led him to his work as a City Councilman, County Commissioner and eventually led him to the State Senate where he worked until 1998. Following his influential work in the Senate, he successfully followed his dream of operating and owning a manufacturing company named 'Arthur Products' in Medina, Ohio. Alan's ability to work with all people, to make sure every person he worked with felt they mattered was a main ingredient in his secret sauce of charisma. Alan was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished time spent with his children, whether he was inventing a secret adventure that he created with his gift for storytelling, teaching his unmatched ability for any sport he attempted or quietly listening to any and all concerns and victories in his children's lives. Golf was a sport that he was very talented in, winning many tournaments across the country and a game he shared with his children. He enjoyed laughing and traveling often with his family. He was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Vermilion. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debra (nee Phillips) Zaleski; daughter, Alison (Jason) Racine; son, Matthew Alan (Sarina) Zaleski; grandson, Otto Alan Racine; sister, Madeline Stevens; and his brother, Ronald Zaleski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Virginia (nee Swiderski) Zaleski. The family will receive friends Friday, February 21, 2025 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. On Saturday, February 22, 2025, prayers will be said at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. followed by mass of Catholic Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion. Interment will follow at Brownhelm Cemetery, where military honors will be presented. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.