Michael P. Zaleski

Commander Michael P. Zaleski passed away on Nov 10, 2018.

Michael was born in Detroit, MI, son of John and Margaret (Tucholski) Zaleski. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Catherine; his two children, Julie (Marc) and Mark; stepson, Mike; three grandchildren, Jack, Alessia, and Victor; sister, Patricia, and brother, Mark; and the mother of his children, Joan. Commander Zaleski grew up in Livonia, MI and graduated from Detroit Catholic Central, and Troy University. He began his military service as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army. Then he served as a U.S. Navy aviator retiring as Commander. His aviation career included DC-8 Captain, Capital Airlines, and Chief Pilot, Consumers Energy. Michael was very proud of logging over 13,000 accident-free flight hours and his 26 years of military service. Michael enjoyed spending his summers at Fine Lake, Michigan with family and friends.

Friends will be received by Michael's family 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. John D. Fleckenstein at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 16, 2018, with a procession following to Fort Custer National Cemetery where full military honors will be rendered. A luncheon will follow at St. Philip's Parish Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Philip Roman Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 112 Capital Ave. N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal message for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.