La Cañada resident Allen Mark Zielinski died suddenly of natural causes at his second home in Eugene, Oregon, which he was preparing for sale.
Allen was 67 at the time of his passing on March 26, 2022. Born on November 7, 1954 in Berwyn, Illinois to Thaddeus and Irene Zielinski, Allen is survived by his children, Joshua and Kianna; his wife, Debbie Enterante; her children, Jackie Enterante Glendon, Marc and Keith; grandchildren, Henry, Shay and Hayden; his sister, Linda Eleveld, and her children, Michael and Carrie. He was predeceased by his wife, Teresa Megofna Zielinski.
Allen attended Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois, and, after graduating from Loyola University in Chicago, started his career in public accounting at Arthur Anderson’s Chicago headquarters.
Later, he followed his desire for travel and moved to Honolulu where he joined PwC and began his consulting career. He held senior executive positions including CEO roles at public and private companies. Along the way, he earned his Master of Taxation and broadened his business in strategy and tax consulting. He became a well-known problem solver, and the go-to person when a company needed help with a major business challenge or crisis.
Allen was a man of many skills. He was a craftsman who could remodel a house, fix a car or repair an appliance — and he did so, not only for his own home and real estate investments, but for his many friends.
He was an outstanding athlete and fierce competitor whether running marathons, playing basketball or a round of golf. Allen’s life-long passion was playing classical piano — it was how he found peace and relaxation.
His highest priority in life were his two children — Allen had such great love for them and for his entire family. With them, he loved to travel to Hawaii, Mexico and Europe. And on a special date (1-11-11), Allen and Debbie got married during a trip to New Zealand. Although he didn’t like to purchase anything he didn’t “need,” Allen would spare no expense when it came to travel and having “experiences.”
If you were a friend of Allen’s, you were friends forever no matter the distance between you.
Allen will be greatly missed by all and will remain forever in our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 14th, at 11 a.m. at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 215 E. Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. If you plan to attend, please consider wearing a color instead of all black.
In lieu of flowers, please enjoy an unforgettable experience with your loved ones in Allen’s honor and memory.
