Obituaries

Dunkirk Obituaries

Local obituaries for Dunkirk, New York

Irene M. Drag

Irene M. Drag

Jun 2, 2025

Irene M. Drag, 98, of Dunkirk, passed away Monday afternoon, June 2, 2025 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center in Dunkirk. Born in Dunkirk on August 24, 1926, daughter of the late Louis and Maryann (Zatorski) Drag.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Irene graduated from Dunkirk High School. For over 15 years, Irene dedicated herself to her work as a...

Evelyn D. Whalen

Evelyn D. Whalen

Jun 1, 2025

Evelyn D. (Damian) (Cudzilo) Whalen, 99, of Dunkirk passed away peacefully, Sunday morning, June 1, 2025 at Brooks Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side. Born in Dunkirk on May 30, 1926, wife of the late Harry "Mike" Cudzilo and Matthew Whalen; daughter of the late Lawrence and Theresa (Majka) Damian.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Evelyn attended Dunkirk...

Donald A. Klocek, Sr.

Donald A. Klocek, Sr.

May 14, 2025

Donald Alfred Klocek, Sr., fondly known as “Don” and a cherished example of what it means to be a

man, peacefully passed at home in Dunkirk, NY at the age of 89, 12 days shy of his 90th birthday.

Mr. Klocek is survived by his wife, Nola (née Harrison); son, Donald “Jack” A. Klocek, Jr. (Mary Kay

Moskal); Granddaughters, Paula (Peter) Ausberger and...

Patricia J. Sullivan

Patricia J. Sullivan

May 6, 2025

Patricia J. (Draves) Sullivan, 82, of Dunkirk, passed away Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center in Dunkirk. Born on September 23, 1942, wife of the late Richard D. Sullivan and daughter of the late Francis and Shirley (Skrzypek) Draves.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Patricia graduated from Cardinal Mindzenty High School. Patricia was a beacon...

Walter D. Sobilo

Walter D. Sobilo

May 1, 2025

"Wally"

Walter David Sobilo passed away at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Dunkirk, NY on June 27, 1941. Beloved husband of Constance (Freitas) Sobilo, his wife of 54 years.

He worked for Alumax prior to the company leaving Dunkirk. He retired in 1998 from Cliffstar. He had many skills, hobbies and talents. He was a skilled musician, playing multiple...

Kevin D. Kuzdzal

Kevin D. Kuzdzal

Apr 30, 2025

Kevin D. Kuzdzal, 54, of Dunkirk passed away suddenly, Wednesday evening, April 30, 2025 at home. Born on November 4, 1970, son of David Kuzdzal and the late Virginia (Sweda) Kuzdzal. 

In addition to his father, Kevin is survived by his brothers Michael (Heather) and Scott Kuzdzal; nephews Colton and Carson Kuzdzal, whom he was extremely proud of for being in...

John Binko

John Binko

Apr 18, 2025

John Binko, 96 yrs. old of Fredonia, NY passed away on Apr. 18, 2025, peacefully at his home. His daughter Linda was at his side. He was born in Stockton, NY on June 4, 1928 the son of the late Stanley and Agnus (Nalepa) Binko. He was one of twelve children. The Binko family ran a successful farming business in...

Rita L. Niedbalski

Rita L. Niedbalski

Apr 13, 2025

Rita L. Niedbalski, 100 years old, a long-time Dunkirk and Fredonia resident, passed away

peacefully on April 13, 2025 at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehab, Dunkirk, NY. She was born on

February 20, 1925, in Dunkirk to Frank and Mary (Umataoski) Niedbalski.

After finishing school, she worked for Cease’s Commissary Restaurant in Dunkirk for many years

as a baker. She spent the past few...

William Stevens

William Stevens

Apr 12, 2025

William H. Stevens, 63, of Dunkirk, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center with his loving family by his side. Born in Dunkirk on June 15, 1961, son of Mary Jane (Drozdiel) Stevens and the late Earl J. Stevens, Sr.

Survivors include his children, Elizabeth and Heather Stevens, Jessica (Anthony) Neal, Brianna Harroun, Vanessa Stevens,...

Michael J. Jackino

Michael J. Jackino

Apr 11, 2025

Michael J. Jackino, known affectionately as Mike—and most proudly as

“Papa”—passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at age 69, surrounded by loved

ones after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

Born on October 24, 1955, in Dunkirk, NY, Mike was the son of Michael P. Jackino and

Sarah J. Jackino (née Carmello). He was raised in a close, loving family with...

John P. McNally

John P. McNally

Mar 30, 2025

John “Jack” P. McNally passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, at his home in Durham NC, he was 83 years old. Jack was born in South Buffalo, NY, on August 31, 1941, the son of John and Ruth (Gilmore) McNally.

Jack attended Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo NY, graduating in 1959. After high School, Jack enrolled in the Army...

Lilyiana Melendez

Lilyiana Melendez

Mar 18, 2025

Lilyiana Melendez 22 of Jamestown, formerly of Dunkirk, NY, passed away unexpectedly March 18, 2025. Born in Dunkirk August 23, 2002, to Maria Ramirez and Ramiro Melendez. She is survived by her parents, and two daughters, Xavianna Klein and Xerenity Klein, who were the light of her life. 

She is also survived by her step mom, Shellisa Ramirez, her bonus mom,...

Theresa M. Kohler

Theresa M. Kohler

Mar 14, 2025

Theresa Marie Kohler, 69, of Fredonia New York passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 at her home with her loving companion McGee and her dear friend Sara Randall by her side. She was born on August 26, 1955 to the late Jimmie Richard and Rita Bernice (Golden) Kohler. 



She was a member of the Fredonia High School class of 1975....

Donna M. Kelsey

Donna M. Kelsey

Mar 10, 2025

Donna M. Kelsey, 63, of Brocton, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. Born in Jamestown, NY on April 8, 1961, lifelong partner of Casimer Pietrkiewicz, daughter of Donald Kelsey and the late Joyce (Carlson) Kelsey. 

For 22 years, Donna devoted her professional life to serving as an associate for Walmart. Donna found immense joy...

Timothy J. Mourer

Timothy J. Mourer

Feb 26, 2025

Timothy J. Mourer, 76, of Dunkirk, died suddenly, Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Brooks Memorial Hospital. 

He was born in Dunkirk, May 13, 1948, son of the late Richard and Irene (Debeck) Mourer. 

A graduate of Dunkirk High School and served during Vietnam in the US Navy and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, One Bronze, Star Republic of...

Antonio Rivera

Antonio Rivera

Feb 25, 2025

Antonio Rivera

Feb. 20, 1937-Feb. 25, 2025

Antonio Rivera, a cherished husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully, Tuesday afternoon, February 25, 2025 at home with his loving family by his side. Born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico on February 20,1937, husband of the late Ada (Fred) Rivera and son of the late Guillermo and Consuela Cruz Rivera.

Antonio worked for various grape farms...

Joshua S. Jaffray

Joshua S. Jaffray

Feb 23, 2025

Joshua Stephen Jaffray, 45, of Dunkirk, died suddenly on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

Born June 24, 1979, he was the son of Charmaine Jaffray and the late Richard Jaffray.

Growing up, Josh loved sports and played baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated from Dunkirk Senior High School and resided in Dunkirk his whole life. He worked at Dunkirk Specialty Steel.

Josh absolutely loved...

Thomas S. Kaleta

Thomas S. Kaleta

Feb 20, 2025

Thomas S. Kaleta, of Dunkirk, died unexpectedly at home February 20, 2025. He was born on August 28, 1948, the son of the late Chester and Emily (Makuch) Kaleta. 

Tom grew up in Dunkirk, was a graduate of Dunkirk Senior High School, and served two years in the United States Army as a Sergeant E-5. He retired from Cummins in Lakewood,...

Robert Gordon Grover, Jr.

Robert Gordon Grover, Jr.

Feb 14, 2025

Robert G. Grover, Jr., 49, of Cassadaga, passed away suddenly, Friday, February 14, 2025 at home. Born in Dunkirk on March 16, 1975, husband of Monica (Proctor) Grover and son of Debra (Noftsker) Grover and the late Robert G. Grover, Sr. 

A lifelong resident of Cassadaga, Robert attended Cassadaga High School. Following high school, he went on to dedicate over 14...

Susan Ellen Knight

Susan Ellen Knight

Feb 3, 2025

Susan E. Knight left us on February 3, 2025, to personally tend to Heaven's creatures and gardens. She was born on January 24,1954, to the late Richard F. and Phyllis Kulpa Knight in Dunkirk, NY, where she lived most of her life. 

She attended Dunkirk Public Schools, Jamestown Community College, and Bryant and Stratton Business School. Sue was subsequently employed by...