Charles “Chuck” Porpiglia

He was born May 11, 1932, in Dunkirk, the son of the late Joseph and Jennie (Lagana) Porpiglia.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Mr. Porpiglia was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, class of 1950, and attended Penn State University. He proudly served his Country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1950-53.

Chuck retired from the Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors in Buffalo after 37 years of service. He was the former president of UAW Local 634, a staunch advocate for the rights of his fellow working women and men.

Mr. Porpiglia also served on the staff of State Assembly Representative Rolland Kidder and State Assembly Representative William Parment. Chuck spent more than a decade as a member of the New York State Democratic Committee, representing the 150th Assembly District.

Active in county politics, Mr. Porpiglia was a founding member of the Chautauqua County Legislature. He served as a legislator representing the City of Dunkirk (District No. 2) for 25 years prior to his retirement in January 1997. During his term in office, he served as both the majority and minority leader of the legislature and as a county representative of the Southern Tier West Regional Planning Board. He chaired the formative committee establishing Off Track Betting (OTB) in Chautauqua County. Elected by his peers, Chuck served as past chair of the Chautauqua Democratic Committee.

Additionally, Mr. Porpiglia served on the Chautauqua County Home Auxiliary Governing Board as well as the Board of Directors of the County Home. In appreciation for his dedication, a social gathering room at the County Home was named in his honor. A member of the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission from 1994-2000, Chuck was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding public service. In June 1997, he was presented with the Horey-Bechmann Service Award by the Fredonia-Pomfret Democratic Association.

In the public realm, Mr. Porpiglia promoted and provided public choice for government representation. As an individual member of society, he was a reliable, constant source of support for friends, acquaintances, and anyone in need of a listening ear. His heart and his door remained open to neighbors throughout his lifetime.

Mr. Porpiglia was member of Holy Trinity Church and Knights of Columbus Council 929. He also belonged to the Elks Lodge 922, Kosciuszko Polish home, the Columbus Club, the Frank Acquavia Legion Post 1344, and the Dunkirk High School Booster Club. Chuck served as past president of the Dunkirk-Fredonia Midget League Board of Directors and coached Little League baseball.

As a devoted family man, Mr. Porpiglia was his family’s biggest champion. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mary Ann (Kaczor) Porpiglia, whom he married Oct. 30, 1954; one daughter, Virginia (Frank) Jourdanais of Dunkirk; three sons: Joseph (Karen) Porpiglia, Charles (Pam) Porpiglia and Michael (Rhonda) Porpiglia, all of Dunkirk; five grandchildren: Christopher (Kaitin), Giana, Lucas, Michael and Siera Porpiglia; two great-grandchildren: Calvin and Charles Porpiglia; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Janine Jourdanais; one brother, Anthony Porpiglia; and three sisters: Josephine “Honey” Porpiglia, Frances Bagola and Virginia White.

There will be no public calling hours. The Porpiglia family regrets missing the opportunity to share memories with Chuck’s many friends, neighbors, and associates, however, health and safety is of utmost importance at this time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church. No more than 33% occupancy is permitted in the church.

Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.