Paul Bernard Zielinski

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Paul Bernard Zielinski, 92, of Clemson on July 9, 2025.

Paul was born to Stanley and Charlotte Zielinski on September 9, 1932, in West Allis, Wisconsin. Paul married his devoted wife of 68 years, Monica, in 1957 after they met in an ice cream shop and spent their first date polka dancing. Paul and Monica had a storybook love and enjoyed traveling, snow skiing, and spending time at the beach. Paul was a proud graduate of Marquette University and earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He took a teaching position at Marquette University. In 1967 Paul accepted a professorship in Civil Engineering at Clemson University. He was passionate about teaching and was beloved by his students. Paul also worked on research grants, especially with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium. He loved all things Clemson Tigers and was a longtime season ticket holder for football, basketball, and baseball. In 1990 he earned the Professor Emeritus status after retiring to accept the position of Assistant Director for the Associateship Program at the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council in Washington, DC. In this role, Paul evaluated grant proposals for funding and was responsible for helping advance his field. For many years Paul was an active member of the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam which is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Paul was a faithful parishioner at St. Andrew Catholic Church of Clemson, where he previously served as Eucharistic Minister and Lector. For many years he was an active member of Sertoma Club of Clemson. Paul will be remembered for his patience, generosity, humility, gentle demeanor, quick wit, and knowing all the answers to Trivial Pursuit.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Monica, and children Daniel (Ellen), Gregory (Suzanne), Robert (Michelle), and Sarah. He was so proud of his nine grandchildren: Kelsey (Josh), Daniel Jr., Jessica, Marina, Paul, Anna, Nicole (Matt), Matthew (Keaton), Erica; and two great grandchildren, Jules and Hazel. Paul is also survived by his sister, Joan. Paul is pre-deceased by his siblings Kathleen, Ruth, Barbara, Mark, and Thomas. The family thanks Sandy Guatemala for her loving care and devotion to Paul and Monica.

A funeral mass will be offered on Friday, July 18 at St. Andrew Catholic Church at 10 o’clock A.M. with a reception following in the church social hall.

Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to St. Andrew Catholic Church or Clemson Community Care.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.