Lewis B Zalink

Mr. Lewis B. Zalink, 91, of Linden, New Jersey, entered the arms of the Lord surrounded by the love of his cherished family on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Tuesday, September 16th. from 4:00-8:00PM.  On Wednesday, September 17th. at 9:45AM everyone will gather directly at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, Linden where the funeral mass will be offered at 10:00AM.  The prayers of committal will precede Lew’s entombment in the family crypt in Rosedale Cemetery in Linden.

Lew, the son of late Anastasia Venskus Zalink and the late Lewis P. Zalink, was born in Linden, New Jersey and he was a lifelong resident. 

A man who was so proud of his country and loved the flag, Lew joined the active naval reserves in August of 1952 and then he was transferred to active military service in the U.S. Navy until August 24, 1960 when he was honorable discharged.  During that time frame, Lew was a member of the “Tin Can Sailors” and the “Destroyer Escort Sailors”. 

After his military stint, Lew returned to his homebase of Linden and he started a career with Anchor Motor Freight & Allied Systems, Inc., on January 6, 1965, as a car carrier/tractor trailer driver until his retirement in April of 1999.  He enjoyed being on the road so much that Lew also worked part time as a bus driver for the Villani Bus Company in Linden beginning in 1965 he called it “quits” in 2020.  Lew simply loved spending time with all the friends he met on those various bus trips, and visiting sites and venues far and wide.    

A man about town, Lew was a member of the Linden Knights of Columbus Council # 2859, the AARP Chapter #1894, the Retired Men’s Club, now known as the Linden Senior Men and Women’s Club, the Linden Sportsmen’s Rod and Gun Cub and the 8th. Ward Democratic Club, all of Linden.  He also enjoyed the camaraderie of being a member of the Central NJ Teamsters Retiree’s Club.     

Life with Lew was never dull!  He and his late wife, Maryann, were always on the move……whether they were attending club meetings, going on adventurous bus trips, be it long distance or to the local supper clubs where they were wined, dined and then saw a good show, or simply an evening out at a local dinner.  Any event or outing that Lew was present at, he knew almost everyone in the room.  Lew was so popular….he could have been the Mayor of Linden with Maryann as his first lady.  A true gentleman, a family man, a friend for life…..Lew could most definitely speak his mind, but it was always with compassion, understanding and respect. 

However, when it came right down to the nitty gritty, Lew’s conversation would circle back to talk about his family, what they were doing, when they were doing it and how he was going to be there for every event.  His conversations about his grandchildren and later, his great grandchildren brought a sparkle to his eyes and a smile to his lips that endlessly radiated all the joy and love he felt for them in his bursting heart. 

Lew was predeceased by his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Maryann Babyak Zalink on June 18, 2024; his daughter-in-law, Sharon Zalink (2024); his brother-in-law, George Babyak, Jr. (2021) and his sister-in-law, Eleanor Babyak (2024).

Lew is survived by his son, David Zalink; his two daughters, Marianne Belcaro and her husband, Louis and Stacianne Fischbach and her husband, Thomas; his nine grandchildren David Zalink, Daniel Zalink and his wife, Jessica, Dylan Zalink, Anthony Belcaro and his wife, Rebecca, GiAnna McVey and her husband, Kyle McVey, Erica Belcaro and her fiancé, Tylor Lee, Thomas Fischbach, Jr. and his wife, Julie, Constance Fischbach, Alyssa Castiglia and her husband, Matthew; his five great grandchildren, Brooklynn Fischbach, Mia Fischbach, Gabriella Fischbach, Abigail Castiglia and Brent Castiglia; his sister, Dorothy Wudzki and her husband, Jim; his nephew, Jonathan, his five nieces, Karen, Andrea, Tracey, Karleen and Jennifer; and Lew’s many neighbors and friends.

Lew was the calm in any storm that could right the ship.  He was a quiet giant of a man who was forever lending a helping hand to anyone in need.  We know that Lew is driving God’s big luxury bus around heaven & Maryann is sitting right behind him giving him instructions and directions.  Although we are saddened at the loss of our beloved Lew, we know deep in our hearts that his reunion with Maryann and the rest of the family will have them celebrating in the heavens for days on end.  May they both remain our guiding light angels and may Lew and Maryann, as they resume their love story, find eternal rest with the Lord in their new home. 

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