In memoriam: Alan Zelunka

Alan Zelunka of Gensco Equipment Inc., Toronto, died June 5, surrounded by family.

Son of the late Louis and Betty Zelunka, he was the third generation of the Zelunka family to own and operate Gensco Equipment, which was founded by his grandfather in 1919 as General Salvage.

Photo courtesy of Gensco Equipment

Alan Zelunka’s passion for the industry was evident in his work and interactions, according to the announcement of his death shared by Gensco. He specialized in selling recycling processing equipment and machinery parts, but he also offered his extensive knowledge and expertise as a consultant to generations of scrap dealers across the Americas.

Gensco says Zelunka's personality and the care he showed his clients made him one of the most liked and respected individuals in the field. His legacy is not just in the equipment he sold or the deals he made, however, but in the relationships he built and the trust he earned from his customers and colleagues. His dedication and commitment were unrivaled, according to the company, and his contributions helped shape the future of recycling technology and processes.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Michelle, and his four children, Cheryl, Elyse, Mark and Jennifer. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Samantha, Jack, Abbey, Ella, Sarah, Evan, Daniel, Sophie, Chaim Dov, Tehila, Naftali, Noah, Josh and Lily.

His son, Mark Zelunka, has been working alongside his uncles, Sheldon Zelunka and David Zelunka, and the senior management team at Gensco, ensuring that his father’s vision and values continue to guide the company.

Gensco says Zelunka's passion, integrity and kindness will remain a guiding light for Gensco Equipment.