With great sadness, the family of Catherine Boorady announces her passing on March 12, 2026 at age 70. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Dunkirk NY, Catherine attended SUNY Brockport and earned a BSc degree in Dance and Music. Later, she earned an MA in Dance Education from NYU. As a dancer, ...
William D. Adams, 58, of Cassadaga, passed away Thursday morning, March 19, 2026. Born on February 7, 1968 in Johnstown, PA, he was the son of June (Mayhue) Adams and the late Robert G. Adams. Bill is survived by his sons, Christian Adams and William Adams II; a granddaughter, Luna Blair ...
Mary Ellen Puleo, 60, of Salamanca, NY, died March 4, 2026 at the Comfort House in Wellsville, NY. Mary Ellen was born in Dunkirk on Dec. 20, 1965, daughter of Nicholas Puleo and Gloria Crawford. She is survived by children, Misty-Lin and Caleb Puleo; brother, Nicholas Anthony Puleo, Jr, of Salamanca; sister, Karen (Ronald) Vecchio, of Fredonia; nieces, Rhonda Vecchio, of Fredonia and Sarah Laplaia, of Buffalo; nephew, Nicholas Puleo; great-niece, Leayah Vechio, of Dunkirk great-nephew, Evan Vecchio, of Dunkirk. She is predeceased by her brother, Nicholas Anthony Puleo and her ...
Richard “Byrd” Travis, 78, of Portland, NY, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side following a long courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. He was the husband of Beverly (Richardson) Travis and son of the late William and Esther (Wolnik) Travis. Funeral services will be held in private at the convenience of the family. A complete obituary will be published in this weekend’s edition of the Dunkirk Observer. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY.
David F. Michalak, 80, of Dunkirk, passed away at home Tuesday evening, March 17, 2026. Born in Dunkirk on June 29, 1945, he was the husband of Carol (Dudek) Michalak and son of the late Francis and Helen (Somerfeldt) Michalak. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11-1 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home; 736 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY. Prayer services will begin at 1 p.m. with Military Honors immediately following held by the Dunkirk Joint Veteran Council. Interment will be held in private. A complete obituary will be published ...
Gary Rolls died March 10, 2026 at his home in Dunkirk, NY after a short illness. Born Aug. 23, 1954 in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of Joseph and Betty (Sanderson) Rolls. Gary made his home and career in Western, NY. He was educated in Buffalo and worked for the Color Graphic Corporation in Lancaster, NY. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Rolls; his children Mathew, Thomas, and Amy Rolls; brothers Thomas and Michael Rolls and Bill Marts; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 20, 2026 at the FANTAUZZI FUNERAL HOME, 82 ...
