Richard D. Michalski

Rich was born on July 16, 1940, in Dunkirk N.Y., to the late Dennis and Stella (Bartkowski) Michalski.

He was a 1958 graduate of Dunkirk Industrial High School, which he served as the class president and then joined the U.S. Army and served two years (1959-61) in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He then returned back to his hometown of Dunkirk and on May 4, 1963 he married Nancy S. Centner of Dunkirk. They raised three children: two daughters: Denise and Cheryl and a son Bill.

Rich was a dedicated employee for Kraft Foods, Ralston Purina and Al Tech Specialty Steel Corp., which he retired from in 2001. After retiring to keep himself busy and in touch with people, he worked at Matt’s News Stand part-time, which he greatly enjoyed.

Rich’s passion was his wife and family who always came first. Early in life he enjoyed camping with his family and later he enjoyed fishing, gardening, long car rides and most of all Ice Cream. Rich was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile and his compassionate spirit.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his oldest daughter, Denise (Cameron); his nephew, Deacon Jeff Vogt, brother-in-law, Marion (Lorraine) Tuczynski and great-nephew, Timothy (Kristen) Vogt.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy; his daughter, Cheryl (Tammy) of Lockport, N.Y.; his son, Bill (Amy) of Holdrege, Neb.; his two granddaughters: Avery and Erin; his sister, Lorraine Tuczynski of Dunkirk; his brother, Jim (Gail) Michalski of Willoughby, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

Rich was thankful as well as his family for all the care and support given to him by the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Nurses (you know who you are), staff on 1A, Carol and Jennifer Ellman.

Following the guidelines and protocols administered by the governor of New York, family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 23, at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church. Entombment will be in the Holy Cross Columbarium of St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 East Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY 14048.