Daniel R. Formanowicz

Daniel R. Formanowicz, 92, of Fredonia, formerly of Dunkirk, died Monday, Dec 7, 2020.He was born Jan. 4, 1928, to the late John and Xsavera (Kopliner) Formanowicz.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk/Fredonia, he married to the late Jackie (Lancaster) Formanowicz on Feb. 9, 1952.

Dan was an outstanding athlete at Dunkirk High School in basketball, football and track, earning accolades during his playing career. He was also part of the initial group that was installed into the Dunkirk High School sports Wall of Fame in 2009.

He joined the U.S. Navy in September 1945, serving to August 1946. He was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve and was recalled into service in February 1951 until July 1952. He served aboard the D.E. 357 George E. Davis, Cruiser Roanoke and the 6th Fleet in Bayonne, N.J., and Brooklyn, N.Y.

Dan retired from the Chevrolet Tonawanda Engine Plant after 25 years in January 1990.  He had previously worked at Alco Products for 15 years and was very active in Steelworkers Union Local 2286, serving as president, vice-president, shop steward and grievance committee member.

He was a member of the Kosciuszko Club and Dunkirk Falcon Club, and served as a member of Murray Hose Company 4 for over 70 years. He was also an active member of Blessed Mary Angelina Roman Catholic Parish, serving on the board and as a member of the Holy Name Society.

Most of all, Dan loved his family, particularly family get togethers, and he especially enjoyed the Christmas season.

Proud father of Daniel Formanowicz Jr. (Kendra) of Crowley, Texas, Virginia (Laroy) Burgess of Rochester, N.Y.. Michael (Heidi) Formanowicz of Fredonia, N.Y., and the late John (Risha) Formanowicz of Dunkirk, N.Y. Loving Grandfather to seven grandchildren: Ann (Tom) Bersani of Fayettevile, N.Y., Eric (Sarah) Formanowicz of Westerville, Ohio, Elizabeth Burgess of Rochester, N.Y., Nick Formanowicz of Depew, N.Y., Abby Formanowicz Megan Formanowicz of Crowley, Texas; and Stephen Formanowicz of Buffalo, N.Y.; and three great- grandchildren: Corina and Sam Bersani and Claire Formanowicz).Dan was also predeceased by siblings: Leon Formanowicz, Francis Formanowicz, Helen Goodspeed, Mary Cassidy, Renalda (Evelda) Meyer, Celia Habich and Irene Lajewski.

Memorial service to be determined at a later date.

Memorials can be made to the Daniel and Jackie Formanowicz Scholarship fund c/o Norther Chautauqua Community Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048