Henry Joseph Buchalski

Henry Joseph Buchalski, 93, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed from this life on April 8, 2024.  Born on June 5, 1930 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Stefan and Feliksa (Nicpon) Buchalski.  On September 19, 1953, Hank married Carole. M. Whitmire in the former Our Lady of the Rosary Church. She predeceased him on August 6, 2021. 

Hank was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and attended local schools.  He proudly served in the United States Army from 1947, until his honorable discharge in 1948.  Hank also served in the Naval Air Force Reserves from 1949 until 1953.  He worked briefly for EI DuPont and retried from Western Electric (AT&T) after 30 years of dedicated service.  His position took him throughout the eastern seaboard for months at a time. After retirement, he spent his remaining years as "The Phone Man," installing and repairing residential and commercial phone systems.

Hank was an active member of St. John de LaSalle Church, serving their Holy Name Society, Parish Council, and St. Vincent de Paul Society.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Councils #247 and #8888, VFW Griffon Post #917, DAV Chapters #12 and #50, Polish Legion, AMVETS Post #26, National Membership Committee of the VFW, and the Telephone Pioneers of America.  Hank served as a Niagara Falls Auxiliary Police member, a Special Deputy of the Niagara County Sheriffs Department from 1975-2007 and many local Unions.  He was active in Boy Scouts of America as well.  Hank was a Niagara County Legislator from 1976 until 1985, which led him to lead and serve on many committees.  He also served as Niagara Falls City Councilman from 1993-1998  and received many citations and awards for his community service. Above all else, Hank loved to travel and shared his passion with his daughters and grandchildren.

Hank is survived by three daughters, Susan (John) Petrozzi, Peggy (Jeffrey) Trethewey, and Judith (Brian) Morrissey; grandchildren, Adriane (James) Salerno, John (Allison) Petrozzi, Shauna (Gerald) Pucillo, Alexandra Trethewey, Julie Trethewey, Alaina (Michael) Pavelko, and Carolyn (Anthony) Pacitti; great-grandchildren, Leah, Julia, Anthony, Julian, Jorie, Lillian, Kathryn, August, Brendan, and Luciana and several nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents and wife, Hank was predeceased by brothers, Felix, John, Matthew, Leo, Walter, Chester, and Tadeusz and a sister, Stella.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on Monday, April 15th, from 6-8 p.m. at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007).  Hank’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 16th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. John de LaSalle Church.  Everyone please assemble at the church. Friends invited. Prayers of committal, concluding with Military Honors, will follow in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  

Hank’s family has entrusted his care to the Goodlander family.  Share condolences and view his tribute video at GOODLANDERCARES.com 

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