Daniel H. Szalkowski

Daniel Harry Szalkowski, 92, was called to Heaven on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. He will be missed dearly by his family.

Born Sept. 7, 1929, in Dunkirk, N.Y., Dan was the son of the late Stephen and Betty (Kolassa) Szalowski.

Dan was a U.S. Navy veteran having served from 1948-52. A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, N.Y., he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and was stationed aboard the USS carrier Kearsarge and later the USS Toledo.He took great pride in his service, especially the time he served during the Kore-an War also receiving the Korean Service Ribbon, with 3 Stars, United Na-ions Service Medal and RKO Pres Unit Citation Ribbon.

Following the Navy, Dan held a 39 plus year career as a roofer/sheet metal worker with AW Farrell & Sons Roofing.Daniel Harry SzalkowskiDan was a highly skilled sheet metal worker and woodworker, trades he obtained in the U.S. Navy, and later shared with his sons on their home projects. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who was given the nickname “Slug.” 

Dan loved to bake pies and taught all of his grandchildren how to make his prize-winning apple pie. An avid card player, Dan enjoyed his weekly card games with family.

Dan was a dedicated and loving father and grandfather, and took great pride in his role as “Papa.” His family members have many fond memories of spending the holidays with Papa, stacking firewood together, gardening, bird watching, and just enjoying time on the porch. Dan took great joy in animals, encouraging his children and grandchildren to bring their dogs to visit him. He especially loved a Golden Retriever named Missy.

He was appreciative of the loving care provided to him by his wife, Loretta, daughter, Wendy Poweski and sons: Jim, Richard and Scott Szalkowski.

Dan’s life was a living example of the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 9:11, Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

Dan is survived by his wife of 69 years, Loretta (Skrypek) Szalkowski, whom he married April 25, 1952; his four children: James (Kathy) Szalkowski, Richard Szalkowski and Wendy (Pat) Poweski, all of Dunkirk, and Scott (Den-ise) Szalkowski of Fredonia; and was the proud grandfather of Jessica (Jeff) Sutton, Megan Szalkowski, Leanne (Doug) Reynolds, Kristin Szalkowski, Ashley Szalkowski, Matthew Szalkowski and Michael Szalkowski; as well as great- grandfather to Harry and Daniel Sutton and Jackson Reynolds; and brother to Ruby Lampert. All of these he loved unconditionally and touched deeply. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Norman.

Family and friends are welcome to call Thursday from 4-7 p.m., at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 E. Doughty St, Dunkirk.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 11 a.m., in Blessed Mary Angela Parish Church of St. Hyacinth. Interment will be in St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery. Please join us in celebrating hhis life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Mary Angela Parish or to the charity of choice.