Donald A. Klocek Sr.

Mr. Klocek is survived by his wife, Nola (nee Harrison); son, Donald “Jack” A. Klocek, Jr. (Mary Kay Moskal); granddaughters, Paula (Peter) Ausberger and Kaitlin Klocek; siblings, Carol, Rosemary, Rita, and Raymond; the mother of his grandchildren, Joanne Donaldson. He is preceded in death by Dawn A. Klocek, his daughter, and Edward Klocek, his brother.

Donald, the eldest of six children, was born on May 26, 1935 in Dunkirk, NY. Martha (nee Popielarz) and Chester D. Klocek. With his birthday often coinciding with Memorial Day weekend, it was his tradition to celebrate by going to a parade.

As a young patriot, Mr. Klocek served his country for eight years in the United States Naval Reserve. Donald and Nola married on Sept. 7, 1957, sharing 67 years of marriage. For many years, he was a truck driver for Canteen, successor of Cease’s Commissary, until he retired. A man of faith, he was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Dunkirk, New York.

Donald found the most joy in the simple pleasures of life. Not afraid of getting dirt under his fingernails, he tended to vegetables, and sunflowers in his garden, sometimes taking a salt shaker with him to eat tomatoes. He was a self-taught handyman, repairing his home, helping his neighbors, and tinkering at Ellman’s Garage. After a hard day working outside, you would find him wearing a straw hat as he sat under the redbud tree, listening to oldies, talk shows, and polka music on the radio. As a loyal Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan, he never missed a chance to cheer on his teams.

Above all, Donald was a genuinely kind and gentle soul, who was devoted to his family. He selflessly cared for his grandchildren. To them, he was a steadfast constant–a quiet hero whose legacy lives on in the values he instilled and the happy memories he created. Donald will always be remembered for his buoyant personality and unique brand of humor that touched all who knew him.

A celebration of Donald’s life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dunkirk located at 19 W. Fourth St., Dunkirk, NY. From 1 p.m until 4 p.m., there will be a polka party to follow at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club at 1 N. Mullet St., Dunkirk, NY. All are welcome to attend.

Donald loved animals, especially his rescue dog. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lakeshore Humane Society 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY 14048.

The family would like to thank Mary Kay Moskal, Mary Skubis, Alicia Bantin, and Hospice for their care and dedication.

Take it easy, take a bus straight to heaven, Grandpa. Beep beep, toot toot!

Arrangements by R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc., 56 E. Doughty St., Dunkirk, NY.