Pictured are Rita Kucharski of Erie, Pa., and Tom Zielinski of Van Buren, the two oldest family members in attendance.

Perfect weather greeted the members of the Wojcinski Family for the celebration of their 58th Annual Family Reunion at the Brooks Pavillion at Point Gratiot, Dunkirk on Sunday.

Once again, the event was hosted by Connie and Bobek Wojcinski and family, daughter Allison and Joshua Richir and daughter Mallory Wojcinski. The event had 52 family members in attendance. Many thanks to Connie, Bobek, Mallory, Allison and Josh for all their hard work!

The day began with Connie serving up Minestrone soup — which was a big “hit” with all the Wojcinskis in attendance. Lunch followed with a salad bar, lasagna, pasta, meatballs and bread, and for dessert, Connie made a large sheet cake, which topped off the meal nicely.

Following lunch, the annual update meeting was held, and included a brief history of the Michael and Mary Wojcinski line of the family. As usual, the meeting concluded with the singing of the “Wojcinski Reunion Song”, with some additional “old tunes” shared by Elaine Zielin, Pam Wojcinski-Edwards and Janet Balzer.

— Here is a summary of the meeting: Oldest living descendants of the family in attendance are Rita (Stempien) Kucharski of Erie, Pa., and Thomas Zielinski of Van Buren. Youngest members in attendance were Rosalie Jean Henry and Connor Alan Richir. Rosalie is the daughter of Leah (Woodard) and Ian Henry of Buffalo and the granddaughter of Lori (Wojcinski) and Winston Woodard of Cassadaga.

Connor is the son of Allison (Wojcinski) and Josh Richir of Brocton and the grandson of Connie and Bobek Wojcinski.

The first reservation was made by Pamela Wojcinski-Edwards and the last reservation was made by Tom and Linda Zielinski. Travelling the farthest were Natalie (Wojcinski) and Tim Frank of Port St. Lucie, Fla. Also travelling a significant distance, Janet (Wojcinski) Balzer and Larry Trent from Plainfield, Ind. Also Monica (Kucharski) and Bob Benedict and Kyle Benedict and his fiance’ Taylor Petti from Twinsburg, Ohio.

There were three deaths to report, as of the last reunion: Sister Joseph Marie (Joanne) Marczak, CSSF, passed away on October 19, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Natalie (Wojcinski) Marczak, and great-granddaughter of Stephan Wojcinski. On Nov. 10, 2024, the matriarch of the family, Joan (Griswold) Kaus passed away.

She was the daughter of the late Sophie (Wojcinski) Griswold and she was the last remaining member of the 4th generation. Finally, Arthur “Moose” Smoczynski died on July 11, 2025. He was the son of the late Florence (Wojcinski) Smocynski and great-grandson of Stanley Wojcinski. A moment of silence was observed in memory of these three family members, and all those family members that have passed away.

On the brighter side, there were four births to report: Leon James Koperczak was born on Oct. 6, 2024. He is the son of Jared and Jaclyn Koperczak of Campbell, NY and the grandson of Amy (Wojcinski) and Lyle Koperczak, also of Campbell.

Also, on April 30, 2025, David Michael Colletti was born to Christina (Ventresca) and Michael Colletti of Buffalo, NY.

He is the grandson of Diane (Marczak) and Joseph Ventresca, also of Buffalo, NY. Next, on May 10, 2025, Martin Jeffrey Gasbarro was born to Melanie (Luciano) and Andre Gasbarro, of Pittsburgh PA. Martin’s grandmother is Pamela Wojcinski-Edwards of Dunkirk NY. Finally, Amelia Belle Oppenheim was born on July 4, 2025 to Kyle and Marion Oppenheim. Amelia is the granddaughter of Susan (Kaus) and Charles Oppenheim. Two family members are expecting – both in December of 2025: Austin and Jasmyn Koperczak of Savona NY and Dylan and Jillian Mlacker of Frewsburg NY. Austin the son of Amy & Lyle Koperczak and Dylan is the son of Missy (LeBarron) and Keith Olson.

— Graduations: there were two high school graduations reported, both from Fredonia High School. Joella Bauza is the daughter of Lindsey (DeGolyer) and Alex Moon and granddaughter of Karen Wojcinski, and Izak Wojcinski is the son of Michiah and Jaclyn Wojcinski and grandson of Roseann and the late Ken Wojcinski. One college graduation was noted — Ashley Kaleta, daughter of Robert Kaleta, graduated from Longwood University in VA. Ashley is the granddaughter of the late Shirley (Kittell) Kaleta. No other details were available at this time.

— Marriages and Engagements: In September 2024, Kaelyn (Richerson) and Dylan Thomas exchanged vows. Kaelyn is the daughter of Katrina (Wojcinski) and Kraig Richerson of Stockton NY. In December, 2024, Steven and Jennifer Rosplock were married. Steven is the son of Sharon (Zielinski) and James Rosplock of Dunkirk. Also, on January 25, 2025, Matthew Shuler and Mallory McNeill were wed. Matthew is the son of Pamela Wojcinski-Edwards. Jacob Kucharski and Kris Perry are planning their wedding for June 2026 in Boston, MA. Jacob is the son of Sue and Jason Kucharski of Erie PA. Also, Kyle Benedict and Taylor Petti plan to marry sometime in 2026. Kyle is the son of Monica and Bob Benedict. Charles and Susan Marczak celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 19, 2024, and Monica and Bob Benedict will celebrate 35 years of wedded bliss on Sept. 8, 2025.

In other family news: Mallory Wojcinski turned 30 years old last June. Kory Irish, 1st Assistant Chef of the Irving Fire Department was recognized as the EMS Provider of the Year.

Kory is the son of Kathy (Kittell) and the late Bruce Dean. Janet (Wojcinski) Balzer attended the reunion and is moving to the Phoenix, Ariz., area very soon. Karilene Sliwa, daughter of Brian Wojcinski and granddaughter of Bill Wojcinski, played on the sectional championship softball team for Forestville High School and the team made it all the way to the state semifinals, before losing to the eventual winner of the title.

Karilene is also a stand-out basketball player for FHS. Also, please keep cousin Joe Wojcinski in your thoughts and prayers, as he battles serious health issues in the weeks ahead.

— Military News: Blake and wife Mary Benedict are currently stationed in Yokuska, Japan. Blake is the son of Monica and Bob Benedict and grandson of Rita and the late Ken Kucharski.

After the meeting concluded, the “White Elephant Sale” took place, hosted by Monica Benedict, Mallory Wojcinski and Nalu Wojcinski. The Pinochle tournament was won by the team of Bob Benedict and Winston Woodard, after a strategic final game substitution. The evening meal of hot dogs, corn, watermelon and brownies ended the day’s activities.

Next year’s 59th reunion is once again planned for the first Sunday in August at a location to be determined.