The McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home has been sold.

“Our family serving your family for many generations” aptly describes two well-known names in the local funeral home business.

The sale of the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home to Richard “Rick” Mackowiak Jr. ensures that the trend will continue. Mackowiak also is the current owner/operator of the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc. and Newman Funeral Home Inc., both located at 56 E. Doughty St. in Dunkirk.

The Kowal brothers, John and Harry Jr., are heading into a well-deserved retirement following a successful run of nearly 40 years as the popular funeral directors at the landmark Central Avenue establishment in the city of Dunkirk.

“Harry and I would like to thank the local community for their long-standing support,” John Kowal said. “We deeply appreciate all the positive feedback we have received throughout the years. We leave knowing we always tried our best to accommodate families in their time of need by providing compassionate service in a professional manner.”

On May 25, 1984, John and his father, Harry Kowal Sr., originally from Auburn, purchased the funeral home from Robert S. McGraw, who was retiring at the time. The father-son team represented the second and third generation of funeral directors with John’s grandfather, Leon, being the first. Harry Jr. would join them later, keeping it all in the family.

Under the Kowals’ ownership, a large, enhanced viewing room was added to accommodate large-scale calling hours and funeral services. The original room offers a smaller, more personal setting according to the family’s preference.

John Kowal explained the sale of the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home has resulted in a best case scenario.

“Keeping the sale local is ideal for the community,” he said. “Rick is a familiar face in the area and many families have already used his services. The Mackowiak family, like ours, is known for multiple generations of funeral directors. Rick’s son, Michael, adds yet another generation. This sense of continuity and familiarity is important in running a successful funeral home and will make for an easier transition for both the community and the new owners.”

The Kowal brothers stressed they consider Dunkirk their home now and will continue to reside in “the community they have grown to know and love.”