Zelinka

Michael A. Zelinka, 66, of Butler, who faced challenges with a smile and a positive attitude, passed away Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.

Born in Butler on Sept. 15, 1960, Michael was a compelling storyteller who loved to deliver a good joke. The oldest of three siblings, Michael was raised in St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Lyndora, where he was an altar boy for many years. He was a Boy Scout and earned the prestigious designation of Eagle Scout.

A graduate of Butler High School, Michael is remembered as creative and inventive, qualities that served him well in college. He first studied drafting at Butler County Community College, before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Michael worked at Newport News Shipbuilding, in Virginia, and was a senior engineer at BMY Combat Systems, a prominent York, Pa.-based division of Harsco Corporation that designed and manufactured military combat vehicles and defense hardware.

Michael loved hunting through junkyards with his brother, Mark, for parts to rebuild old cars. Among his favorite cars were the 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS (Super Sport), a legendary American muscle car, which he owned, and the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, which he wished he had. Once the brothers’ treasure hunts were successful, Mark said, “If Michael didn’t have a tool he needed, he made it.” When their cars were ready, they would go cruising with other classic car owners.

Over the years, Michael enjoyed hunting and fishing. He liked listening to classic rock. It’s no surprise his favorite TV shows were comedies — “Seinfeld” and “King of Queens” topped his list — and he would tape favorite episodes and watch them over and over. But he also had a serious interest in politics, particularly in recent years, and would keep up with and discuss current events with any willing partner. Michael savored a variety of ethnic foods, especially if they were spicy, and he would try his hand at cooking some of them. His own version of Chinese fried rice was a favorite.

He and his wife, Sylvia, met online. “On our first date, all he did was make me laugh,” Sylvia said. Throughout their 26 years together, “he always made me laugh,” she said. For the last year, Michael asked Sylvia nearly every day if she wanted breakfast in bed. Then he would microwave an egg bite and carry it down the hall from the kitchen with a bowl covering it to keep it warm, and they both would laugh at the “gourmet” meal and its “professional” presentation.

Michael was a loving stepdad to Sylvia’s daughters, Angela and Amanda, and loved spending time with Angela’s children. He would entertain Jacob with computers and cars, but his compassionate nature was especially evident when connecting with Clint, who is on the spectrum. “He was really good with him,” Sylvia said.

For nearly 20 years, Michael was cat dad extraordinaire to Mitzee. Her passing left a hole in his heart.

In addition to his wife, and his brother, Mark (Barb), he is survived by his mother, Irene Prokop Zelinka; his sister, Michelle (Chris) Cronin; his niece, Emily Cronin; his stepdaughters, Amanda (David) Kemp and Angela Lamberson; his stepgrandchildren, Jacob (Fernanda), Daisy and Clint Lamberson; his children, Aaron and Rachel Zelinka; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Michael Zelinka.

He is already greatly missed.

ZELINKA — Family and friends of Michael A. Zelinka, who died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 New Castle Road, Butler. Parastas services will immediately follow in the funeral home.

Please offer condolences at www.spencerdgeibel.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.