Dunkirk Obituaries

Joseph W. Muscato, 88, of Dunkirk passed peacefully Monday afternoon (February 27, 2023) in Buffalo, following a brief illness, with his loving family by his side.

He was born June 3, 1934, in Dunkirk, the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Privateer) Muscato.

After attending St. Mary’s Academy, Joe worked in construction and then went on to get his...

Wilma J. Sandhoff, 91, of Fredonia died Thursday morning (Feb. 23, 2023) at the Absolut Care of Westfield.

She was born July 7, 1931, in Harborcreek, Pa., the daughter of the late Grant and Leona (Colvin) Ellsworth.

Wilma had been employed as a custodian at the State University of New York at Fredonia. She was a member of First Baptist...

Fredericka “Freddie” Korzenski, age 77, passed from this Earth on March 5, 2023, peacefully and surrounded by her loving family at her home in Dunkirk, N.Y., after a very short illness with cancer.

Freddie was born in Lindenfels, Germany, on March 26, 1945, to Friedrich and Ruth Merx and was later adopted by George Mintz of Long Island, N.Y....

Lucille R. Moscato, 82, formerly of Miller Road, Fredonia died Sunday evening (March 5, 2023) at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dunkirk.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Joseph W. Muscato, 88, of Dunkirk passed peacefully Monday afternoon (February 27, 2023) in Buffalo, following a brief illness, with his loving family by his side.

He was born June 3, 1934, in Dunkirk, the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Privateer) Muscato.

After attending St. Mary’s Academy, Joe worked in construction and then went on to get his...

Patricia A. Cerrie, 83, of Dunkirk died Sunday morning (Feb. 26, 2023) at Brooks Memorial Hospital.

She was born June 4, 1939 in Dunkirk, the daughter of the late Benjamin and Dorothy (Negro) Cerrie.

A lifelong resident of the area, Patricia attended Fredonia High School. She had been employed at Red Wing for 43 years, retiring in 2003.

Survivors include...

Marian Drago Passafaro, of Fredonia, NY, entered eternal rest Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dunkirk, New York. She is the daughter of Anthony F. and Frances LaDuca Drago.

She is predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Ronald Passafaro; Marian is survived by her five children: Jeffrey (the late Virginia) Passafaro; David Passafaro;...

Joseph W. Muscato, 88, of Dunkirk died Monday afternoon February 27, 2023 following a brief illness.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Marian Drago Passafaro, of Fredonia, NY, entered eternal rest Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dunkirk, New York. She is the daughter of Anthony F. and Frances LaDuca Drago.

She is predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Ronald Passafaro; Marian is survived by her five children: Jeffrey (the late Virginia) Passafaro; David Passafaro;...

Patricia A. Cerrie, 83, of Dunkirk died Sunday morning (Feb. 26, 2023) at Brooks Memorial Hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Marian Drago Passafaro, of Fredonia, NY, entered eternal rest Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dunkirk, New York. She is the daughter of Anthony F. and Frances LaDuca Drago.

She is predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Ronald Passafaro; Marian is survived by her five children: Jeffrey (the late Virginia) Passafaro; David Passafaro;...

Wilma J, Sandhoff, 91, of Fredonia died Thursday morning (Feb. 23, 2023) at the Absolut Care of Westfield.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.

Richard A. “Dick” Purol, 69, of Dunkirk died suddenly Monday evening (Feb. 20, 2023) with his loving wife and family by his side at Brooks Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 11, 1953 in Dunkirk, the son of Arthur (Joyce) Purol of Dunkirk and the late Blanche (Kaletta) Purol.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Richard was a graduate of Dunkirk...

Richard A. “Dickie” Purol, 69, of Dunkirk died suddenly Monday evening (Feb. 20, 2023) at Brooks Memorial Hospital.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, Feb. 23, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. James Bailey will officiate. Full military honors...

Edwin C. Wilson, 45, of Dunkirk died unexpectedly Thursday evening (Feb. 2, 2023) at home.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, from 4-7 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home in Dunkirk.

On Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, Edwin C. Wilson, a loving son, brother, father and uncle passed away unexpectedly at the age of 45. Edwin was born on April 12, 1977 in Dunkirk, N.Y. to Ruth Boyd and Everett Wilson.

Although Edwin resided in Erie, Pa. for a short time before his death, he was a longtime resident of Dunkirk,...

Robert C. Yonker, 79, of the Town of Sheridan, died Sunday Feb. 12, 2023, unexpectedly at home.

Calling hours will be held at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home from 10-12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 with a prayer service to follow officiated by Rev. Joseph Anthony Walter of St. Joseph and St. Anthony Parishes. Private Burial will be held in St....

Julio A. Torres, 50, of Dunkirk died peacefully Saturday morning, Feb. 11, 2023, at home.

He was born June 25, 1972 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico the son of the late Ramon and Margarita (Melendez) Torres.

An area resident for most of his life, Julio had been employed as a cook. He had a big heart and loved living life to...

Gerard O. Rocque, 92, of Fredonia passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon (Feb. 12, 2023) at home surrounded by his loving family. Gerard was born on September 6, 1930, the son of the late Leo Rocque and Rosalie (Plude) Rocque in Whitehall, NY. He graduated from Whitehall Central School in 1947, and continued his education at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield,...

Robert C. Yonker, 79, of the Town of Sheridan, died Sunday February 12, 2023, unexpectedly at home. He was born June 19, 1943 at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, NY. Son of the late Carl and Helen (Nocek) Yonker.

Mr. Yonker was a graduate of Silver Creek High School class of 1962, and attended Bryant and Stratton College and graduated...