Francis S. Mirek

Frank was born in Dunkirk March 26, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Stella Mirek; his brother, Raymond; and his sister, Audrey Gifford.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Ron (Caryn); and daughter, Sandy (Joe) Malikowski. Frank had four grandchildren: Mary Kate Patnode, Sara Petko, Tom Malikowski, and Haley Smith. He loved watching them in concerts, musicals, races and ball games. He was so proud with any of their accomplishments big or small. We were so blessed that he was able to dance at all their weddings. He had seven great-grandchildren. All of them loved his playful personality. They kept him busy and young. A mention of their name brought a smile to his face. He loved reading them stories and playing games with them.

Frank graduated from Dunkirk Industrial High School, afterwards completing a Bachelors of Science degree at SUNY Fredonia. Frank was a corporal in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. Where he served as an honor guard and he played center for the U.S. Army basketball team there.

In 1989, he retired from Alumax in Dunkirk as a quality control inspector. He also was employed by Plymouth Tube and American Precision in Buffalo. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish.

He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 62, First Ward Falcon Club, Kosciuszko Club, Moniuszko Club, and the Multiple Myeloma Association.

Frank was interested in making stained glass and created many beautiful windows and lamps. He took pleasure growing vegetables in his garden, especially tomatoes. Frank was a jack-of-all trades and could fix or make anything. He thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the shade, on his lounger listening to books on tape. Mary and Frank often enjoyed traveling and went on many trips all over the country and took several cruises.

The family of Frank Mirek would like to thank the wonderful people of Hospice and the many doctors and nurses from Roswell that have helped him throughout the 22 years he fought Mylenomia. Many thanks to Dr. Sood and Dr. Mitchell who tried to ease his pain and the concord pharmacy. We would also like to say a very special thank-you to Father Dan Walsh and Monsignor J. Patrick Keleher who brought comfort to our family at this sad time.

Calling hours will be held TODAY, June 6, from 4-7 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 7, at 9 a.m. in Holy Trinity Church. Full military honors will be accorded by the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council Honor Guard. Burial will be in St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County or Roswell Park for Multiple Myeloma Research, or the Dunkirk Library for audio and digital books.