Kenneth Michael Zulawski

Kenneth M. Zulawski died on July 15, 2026 under the care of Kaiser Hospice and his oldest sister Patricia at home with family. Kenny battled with diabetes and neurofibromatosis since the age of 12. In 2019 Kenny suffered a couple of seizures, a fall, and a stroke which led to his long-term care.

But all who knew Kenny Z – knew that did not stop him from loving life. Kenneth was born in Oakland, CA. at Kaiser Hospital.  At less than six month’s his family moved to Fremont. His Father, Leonard worked for General Motors.  Ken resided in the same home for 61 years.

At a young age Kenny started volunteering at youth baseball fields.  Many friendships were made there.  Kenny went to school at Mission Valley, Hopkins and Kennedy High School. Where he graduated from. Kenny attended his senior Prom.  He was proud and happy of his accomplishment.

Kens first job was at Mission Deli where he was liked by many customers. Kenny had many hobbies and collections. He loved country music.  He had KAT Country 103 on speed dial, always trying to be caller to score anything, concert tickets, sporting event tickets, and he attended quite a few. His famous collection wine corks, casino cards, t-shirts, post cards friends sent him from around the world, A’s and Giants clothes, memorabilia, and Match Box Cars, and #1 collection, Legos. He still has today.

Kenneth attended Saint Joseph Mission San Jose Parish all his life being part of young adults, St. Joseph’s Men’s Club Ministry, Eucharistic Ministries, and an usher too! If you knew Kenny he was a volunteer for just about anything! Festivals, dinners, events anything put on by the church. A lot of parishioners took Ken on family outings on boats, at their cabins, summer and winter baseball games, and birthdays. He loved the people of St. Joseph’s and they loved him. We, his family, are eternally grateful for the life you gave Kenny. From the bottom of our hearts!

Kenny will be Remembered as the crossing guard at Mission Valley Elementary School for 20 plus years. Generations of families and no one got in the wrong car or went off school grounds until he seen their parents.  A job he took very seriously.

Kenneth touched many peoples lives, and leaves behind his mother Arlene, two sisters Patricia and Sharon Hendren, two brothers James and Thomas (Peggy) Zulawski of Oakley, CA.  Ken has an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews mostly in Minnesota where his parents met and married. Some relatives in Nevada and Arizona, I’m sure I left out a state. Kenny was proceeded in death by his father Leonard Zulawski (1999), his nephew David and Tony and his brother-in-law Floyd Hendren (2026) and many aunts, uncles, and all his grandparents Alma Albert Vizenor and Joseph and Elizabeth Zulawski.

Kenneths spirit, smile, eagerness, willingness to volunteer, being there until the job is done will be missed by many in his community.

A funeral for Kenny will be held on August 29th at 12:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fremont with fellowship to follow the service in the parish hall immediately following.  A private burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery where he will be with his father Leonard.

Please, in leau of flowers, make a donation to a charity or to Saint Josephs many ministries in Kenny’s name.