Dunkirk Obituaries

Jan 8, 2024

Ronald “Pudge” Miller, 87, died on January 8th, 2024, at Brooks Memorial Hospital. Born on September 29, 1936, in Hastings, PA, to the late Gerald and Alberta (Stritmatter) Miller, Pudge lived most of his life in Dunkirk. He married the former Mary Elizabeth Schweda on September 3, 1960. Together Pudge and Mary raised their four children William (Julie) Miller of...

Dec 18, 2023

Charlotte M. Jakiel, 83, of Dunkirk passed away on December 18, 2023, at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital. She was born on May 15, 1940, in Buffalo to the late Willard and Dorothy (Girrens) Jensen. Charlotte worked as a clerk for the NYS Department of Labor in Dunkirk for many years. Additionally, she actively participated in various roles within her community. Charlotte...

John L. Brenecki, known to many as Jack, 80, of Dunkirk passed away Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center in Dunkirk. Born in Dunkirk on Oct. 18, 1943, son of the late John M. and Eugenia (Bielat) Brenecki.

During his younger years, Jack proudly served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967. He...

John L. Brenecki, 80, of Dunkirk passed away Saturday Jan. 27, 2024 at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Alicia “Carol” DeChard, 79, of Dunkirk passed away Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA. Born in Dunkirk on Dec. 11, 1944, daughter of the late Arthur and Mary Jane (Bialaszewski) Begier.

Carol dedicated 22 years of her career as a cook at Suny Fredonia FSA, where she brought joy to many with her delicious...

Alicia “Carol” DeChard, 79, of Dunkirk, passed away, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Erie.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the McGraw Kowal Funeral Home.

Maria M. Cheverez, 66, of Dunkirk passed away following a brief illness on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at Brooks Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side. Born in Morovis, Puerto Rico on Jan. 8, 1958 to Roberto and Francisca (Salgado) Cheverez.

Maria moved to Dunkirk at the age of 13 and attended Dunkirk Senior High School. She had...

Elizabeth A. Klawon, 94, of Fredonia, passed away Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at the Absolut at Westfield.

Arrangements are incomplete and a complete Obituary will be published by the McGraw Kowal Funeral Home.

Maria M. Cheverez, 66, of Dunkirk passed away following a brief illness on Saturday Jan. 20, 2024 at Brooks Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side.

A full obituary will be posted in tomorrow’s edition of the Observer. Arrangements by McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Melinda Mary (Wilmot) Dudek passed away peacefully Jan. 14th, 2024 after a brief illness. Born April 1st, 1960 to John Jr (Jack) and Elaine Meyer.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, she enjoyed spending time with her best friends and sisters Sue Feser, Joan Martell, and Wendy Fitzer playing bingo, watching the Buffalo Bills, and hosting family gatherings. She loved...

Leon C. Thompson, 98, of Fredonia, NY passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 11, 2024.

Leon was born at home in Brocton, NY in 1925 to the late Paul and Margaret Thompson. He was a 1943 graduate of Brocton High School, where (in his own words) he was often a “real pain in the you-know-what” to his teachers....

Leon C. Thompson, 98, of Dunkirk passed away Thursday morning, Jan 11, 2024 at Brooks Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Irene T. Maurer, 65, of Dunkirk, passed away on December 28, 2023, at Buffalo General Hospital. She was born on May 13, 1958, in Dunkirk, the daughter of Richard Maurer and Beatrice (Rahn) Maurer

Irene had a vibrant personality and was known for her infectious laughter and the twinkle in her eye.

Irene had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed people...

Ronald “Pudge” W. Miller, 87, of Dunkirk passed away Monday Jan. 8, 2024 at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Darrin J. Stevens, 55, of Dunkirk passed away Tuesday evening, Jan. 2, 2024 at home following a battle with cancer. Born in Dunkirk on March 28, 1968, the son of Mary Drozdiel and the late Earl J. Stevens Sr..

Darrin worked at Mom and Pops in Cassadaga for many years. Outside of work, he always loved spending time with...

Gary N. Kowalski, 74, of Fredonia, N.Y., passed away on Christmas Day at Brooks Hospital after a brief illness.

Gary was born May 17, 1949 in Dunkirk, son of the late Norman and Loretta (Sadowski) Kowalski. He graduated from Silver Creek High School and served in the United States Army from 1969-1971, where he was an MP cook. Later, he...

Darrin J. Stevens, 55, of Dunkirk passed away Tuesday evening, Jan. 2, 2024 at home.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Gerald “Jerry” Dziduch, 67, passed away Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Dunkirk on Oct. 15, 1956, to the late Andy and Diane Dziduch.

A beloved son and brother, Jerry was raised alongside six siblings where he learned the importance of family, faith and hard work.

A 1975...

Gary N. Kowalski, 74, of Fredonia, N.Y., passed away on Christmas Day at Brooks Hospital after a brief illness.

Gary was born May 17, 1949, in Dunkirk, son of the late Norman and Loretta (Sadowski) Kowalski. He graduated from Silver Creek High School and served in the United States Army from 1969-1971, where he was an MP cook. Later,...

Gerald J. “Jerry” Dziduch, 67, of Dunkirk, passed away Friday morning, Dec. 29, 2023, at home with his family at his side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Relatives and friends can call on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. at the McGraw Kowal Funeral Home, 736 Central Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated...