A small oasis of peace is located right next to the Post Office on Central Avenue in Dunkirk. A memorial garden, it was created after Thomas Dobek, a letter carrier for 40 years, passed away on Aug. 9, 2010.
"One of Tom's brothers wanted to plant a tree in his memory next to the post office," Jami Sorrento, the Dunkirk Postmaster, said,
Sorrento thought a tree would eventually become too big. She credits the post office employees with coming up with the idea of creating a memorial garden, and how it should be done. A bench and flowers and a small variety of tree adorn the park. The large stone in front of the bench is in memory of Tom. Bricks on the walkway were purchased by family members of deceased postal workers to honor them.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photo by Diane R. Chodan
This small park on Central Avenue next to the Post Office honors deceased postal workers.
Tom's brother and sister-in-law were instrumental in translating the concept to reality. Last year, three more bricks were added to the walk. A quiet memorial service takes place each spring. Sorrento noted that many of the postal workers were also veterans.
The bricks on the walk honor: Thomas Dobek (1948-2010), Henry Krystofik (1934-2011), Fred J. Furnar Sr. (1905-1959), John Michalak (1922-2011), Joe Catalano (1911-1972), Leo Trudnowski (1910-1976), Anthony Wasag (1927-2010, John Fitzgerald (1924-1994), Sam Terese Sr. (1922-1985), Walter Szwejbka (1895-1975), Thomas Douglas, Zenon Panfil (1915-1987), Dick Unbehaun (1917-1963), William Trudnowski (1926-2007), Gene Pincoski (1922-2001), Jack Warren (1926-1990), Don Westling Jr. (1948-2008), Joe Catalano (1938-1968), Bob Staley (1928-1999), Lefty Rzepkowski (1929-2008), Mike Kricheldorf (1938-2009), John Szwejbka (1924-2008), Gerald Seybold (1936-1980), Joe Catalano mail carrier, James Sample, Thomas Thompson Sr. (1929-2010) and Alvin Kaymore (1923-2005).
