Joane B. Grupa

Joan Blanche Grupa, 86, passed away at Brooks Memorial Hospital on April 14, 2021, following an extended illness.

Joan was born June 2, 1934, in Dunkirk, NY, to the late Chester and Julia (Przytula) Gaszynski. She was a graduate of Fredonia High School and worked as a bookkeeper for most of her adult life. For the last 38 years of her working life she was employed at Dunkirk Metal Products, where her father was half-owner.

Joan enjoyed the company of her many good friends, especially those she made while bowling and playing golf. She was a member of the Kosciuszko Club, Moose Club, the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the East Town Fire Department.

She was also renowned for the extensive Christmas village she built every year.

She is survived by brother Ralph (Linda) Gaszynski of Fredonia, sons Kevin and Mark of Dunkirk, and Neil (Hiromi), daughter Julie Symack (James) of Cheektowaga, NY, grandson Matthew Grupa (Milica) of Crown Point, IN, and granddaughter Danielle Dean of Dunkirk. Joan was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Michael D. Grupa (known either as “Mike” or “Don”), brothers James and Richard Gaszynski, and daughter Michelle Dean. She was also predeceased by her close companion of her widowed life, Edwin “Deadeye” Tarnowski.

Following the guidelines and protocols administered by the governor of NY, friends and family may call today from 2-5 pm, at R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc, 56 E Doughty Street, Dunkirk, where Christian Burial service will be held at 4:30.