Paul F. Kankolenski

Paul Frank Kankolenski, 84, of Ransomville, New York, passed away on July 15th, 2025 at Buffalo General Medical Center. He was the son of the late Frank and Ann (Gebczyk) Kankolenski, and the husband of the late Marilyn Ruth (Martino) Kankolenski. Paul graduated from Niagara Falls High School. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Cincinnati and earned his Master's degree at University of Buffalo, 1962. After graduation Paul worked at University of Buffalo in the Biochemistry and Psychology departments doing graduate research and teaching assistantships, in addition to being an Adjunct Psychology Instructor at Niagara County Community College (N.C.C.C.). He then worked for Bell Aerospace Co. as a Human Factors Engineer in the Technical Service department and was an assistant manager in the training department.

In 1968 Paul then moved to Huntsville Alabama with his growing family and accepted a job as a Human Factors Engineer for Matrix Research Company as a Research Scientist, including work at Marshall Space Flight Center on Apollo projects. After his work at the company, he moved his family back to Western New York in 1971 and accepted a full-time job at N.C.C.C. as a Professor of Psychology in the Division of Social Sciences. His academic contributions included supporting N.C.C.C. "One College Concept" by instructing evening courses and off campus courses including at the Niagara Falls Air Base, Trott extension sites, and did presentations of Psychological Concepts and Issues to the Niagara County Police Academy Cadets. He co-developed N.C.C.C. Criminal Justice Curriculum, the Physical Therapy Assistant curriculum, and advisement on curriculum in pre-Occupational therapy and Physical Therapy. He had professional publications and also was a member of professional associations including: American Psychological Association, Society of Reliability Engineers and Human Factors Society Association.

Paul was known for his high standards and structured lectures, he was a tough but fair educator whose impact resonated far beyond the classroom. Students described him as clear and challenging; some even credited him with inspiring them toward their life achievements and to believe they could accomplish beyond their own expectations of themselves. He was a dedicated educator adept at establishing a positive learning experience employing an optimal environmental press, a strategy with challenging achievable subgoals to provide a ladder for success whether it was applied to academic, personal or professional goals.

Paul was a lifelong member of our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and most recently a member of Immaculate Conception Church. In addition to his professional accomplishments our dad, Paul Kankolenski lived a full and vibrant life rooted in faith, family, and community. He was an active member of his church where his faith guided his daily life and values. He was a Eucharistic Minister, a past facilitator in the RCIA program, and a past parish council member.

Family was the cornerstone of his world, a devoted husband, father and grandfather Paul cherished time spent with loved ones whether at holiday gatherings, family dinners, or cheering them from the sidelines at his grandchildren's sporting events, concert band performances, or academic award ceremonies, including national Honor Society inductions. Paul also cherished his annual vacations traveling with his wife being able to make more beautiful memories with his much loved children and grandchildren. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren's achievements and rarely missed an opportunity to support them.

Paul is survived by loving children, Dana Ann Kankolenski, Kristen (Kankolenski) Mayrose, Paul C. (Jenna) Kankolenski, and Michael J. (Lisa) Kankolenski, cherished grandchildren, Nicholas J. Mayrose, Christopher M. Mayrose, Kaitlyn G. Mayrose, Abigayle G.Kankolenski, Isabella M. Kankolenski, Christian F. Kankolenski, and Vincent M. Kankolenski, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and wife Marilyn, he was predeceased by a brother Frank Kankolenski.

Family and friends are invited to attend Paul's Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, July 26th, at 11:00 a.m., which will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church, 4671 Townline Road, Ransomville, N.Y. All are invited to pay their respects to the family prior to the mass, beginning at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial offerings may be made to Catholic charities, St Jude Children's Research Hospital or to a charity of one's choice.

Paul's family has entrusted his care to the Goodlander family. Share condolences and memories at goodlandercares.com 1Timothy 1:15-17.

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