Raymond V. Abramowicz

Raymond “Lefty” Vincent Abramowicz, 90, died peacefully in his sleep at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehab Center on May 1, 2020.

He was born March 26, 1930 to Vincent and Clara (Rybicki) Abramowicz in Dunkirk, NY. He married Dolores (Szukala) Abramowicz on her 19th birthday, May 24, 1952.

He worked for Great Lakes Color Printing for 33 years and retired in 1985. He worked part time at R Mackowiak Funeral Home, greeting people.

Lefty was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin & friend. He enjoyed his life with his family and always had some kind of philosophical remark to pass on to the kids.A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Lefty was involved in civic life. He was a volunteer firefighter with the Hook and Ladder 49 Hose Company for many years. He was also on the board of the Dunkirk Recreation and Housing Authority committees. Lefty participated in many local parades. An Army Reserve Veteran, he served his country until his firstborn became a year old. During that time, he was also a light-weight boxer who competed in the Golden Glove Championship. Lefty carried that knowledge with him and helped many to acquire their goal of being a boxer. He had a strong belief in his religion and was involved in his church, St.Hedwig’s (Blessed Mary Angelica) in many ways.

Lefty’s most known role was his involvement, with his wife Dolores, with the LOOM #89 organization, where he earned the prestigious Pilgrim Degree and became a Lifelong Member. Later, he and a few of the older members created the Moose Club Clowns- a group that performed at city doings, holiday parties, nursing homes, and cheerfully gave away their creatively made balloon creations.During his life he enjoyed playing and watching sports, ice fishing in Canada, picnics, fishing on Lake Erie in his boat, camping with his family and instilling his wisdom to his grandchildren & great grandchildren. He also was a member of several local clubs besides being a “Moose”.

Ray is survived by his adoring wife of 67 years and his loving children: son Robert (Liz) Abramowicz , daughters Carolyn (Ed) Mikan, Cindy (Maurice) Barfield, Linda Asbell (Steve Matlin), and Mary (Jason) Zielinski. Also survived by 13 wonderful grandchildren, Robert & Ray Abramowicz along with Katie Strawser, David, Thomas and Joe Ott along with Carrie Bjugstad, Jeffrey Asbell and Alicia Oldrich, Justin, Nathan and Taylor Zielinski along with Kody Coone; 31 beautiful great grandchildren and many nephews & nieces. His favorite saying “are you satisfied” leads us to think his life was very satisfying.Those loved ones who predeceased him include his parents and siblings: sisters Betty and Virginia Pasierb and twin brother Richard Abramowicz and his 4 beloved grandchildren: Michael Ott, Meghan Zielinski, Jeremy Asbell and Michele Larsen. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held for Lefty at a later date.