Raymond F. Pauszek

Raymond “Ray 1” F. Pauszek, 93, of Dunkirk went home to be with our Lord after an extended illness on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at home.

He was born in Dunkirk, March 26, 1926, son of the late Stanley and Margaret (Janowski) Pauszek.

Ray was retired from Al Tech Specialty Steel Corporation and the former Alleghany Ludlum Steel Corporation. He was also previously employed by Basco Industries in Cheektowaga and the former ALCO Plant in Dunkirk, where he met his sweetheart and the love of his life, Ann Schilling Pauszek. They were married August 5, 1950 and celebrated over 67 years together until she passed away on June 22, 2018.

Ray attended St. Hyacinth School and Dunkirk Schools, graduating from the Industrial High School on Lake Shore Drive in 1944. He was then drafed into the Army of the United States where he proudly served our country as a Rifleman in the 3rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron.Upon his Honorable Discharge in 1946 as Private First Class, Ray was awarded the Good Conduct Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal & Germany Clasp, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Expert Badge & Machine Gun Bar, and Marksman Badge & Rife Bar.

Ray was one of the original founders in 1947 and lifetime member of the Dunkirk Veterans of World War II. He served as an officer in most capacities throughout 70 years until 2017. He participated on the club’s bowling team and was an avid pinochle card player during the yearly card season until its conclusion in 2016. Ray was also a life-long member of Blessed Mary Angela R. C. Parish of St. Hyacinth, where he had volunteered for and participated in church functions and celebrations.

He enjoyed large family gatherings and loved to play the guitar and harmonica. He fondly remembered as a child playing his guitar at a children’s talent show on the radio in Buffalo. He also enjoyed fishing with family members, including his wife, and patiently cleaning the “catch of the day” for everyone. His garden was his outdoor yearly activity, keeping him busy from spring through fall. He enjoyed going for long rides, watching his family participate in sporting events and cheering on his favorite football and baseball teams on television.

Surviving are his six children; Eugene (Mary) Pauszek of Dunkirk, Gail (Stewart) Foster of Cheektowaga, Maryanne Panfil of Dunkirk, Raymond Pauszek II of Dunkirk, Julianne (David) Root of Deltona, Florida, and John “Utah”(Kathy) Pauszek of Deltona, Florida; eleven precious grandchildren Kara (Craig) Swartzlander of Cheektowaga, Rebecca (Richard) Glowniak of Dunkirk, Justin (Jennifer) Foster of Amherst, Steve (Lisa) Pauszek of CT, Jonathan (Jennifer) Panfil of Angola, Amanda (George) Vallone of Florida, Raymond Pauszek III of CA, Elizabeth Panfil of Dunkirk, Matthew (Caitlin) Pauszek of Blasdell, Jessica Pauszek of TX and Timothy (Miranda) Pauszek of Australia; and five adorable great grandchildren Rachel Glowniak, Aurora Vallone, Elise and Gabriel Foster and Mae Pauszek. Also surviving is his dear sister, Rita Moriarty of Fredonia, New York, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers Donald and Robert Pauszek, beloved daughter-in-law Cheryl Pauszek and son-in-law Carl Panfil.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call Friday, March 6, 2020 between 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 E. Doughty St. Dunkirk.A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, March 7th, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Blessed Mary Angela at St. Hyacinth Church, Lake Shore Drive East.

Donations in his memory may be made to Chautauqua Hospice Palliative Care (CHPC.care) or St. Hyacinth Cemetery.