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Darleen Michalak

Darleen Michalak

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Darleen Ann Michalak announces her sudden passing on Friday, September 28, 2018. Daughter of Stella (Butryn) Michalak and the late Edward Michalak, Darleen was born in Dunkirk, N.Y. on February 19, 1949. She was a graduate of Cardinal Mindszenty High School and S.U.N.Y at Fredonia and received her doctorate from the University at Buffalo.

Darleen’s career in education spanned over 30 years. Darleen was a 33 year veteran of Erie 1 BOCES, serving as Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer for nine years before retiring in 2010. Upon retirement from Erie 1 BOCES, Darleen took on the full-time role of Plan Administrator of the NY44 Health Benefits Plan Trust, an organization that she created to help school districts mitigate the rising costs of health insurance. In addition to a long career in education, Darleen also sat on the Catholic Schools Advisory Council, chairing the Organizational Structure and Leadership Committee. She was also a long standing member of the Board of Directors for the Cantalician Center. Darleen was an adjunct professor in the doctoral program at D’Youville College and also taught at the University of Buffalo. In addition Darleen will be lovingly missed by family and friends.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call today from 4-7 p.m. at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. in Blessed Mary Angela R.C. Parish Church of St. Hyacinth. Interment will be in St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined and Memorials can be made to a charity of ones choice.