Henry S. Stefanski

Henry S. Stefanski, 98, of Liberty Street, Salamanca, NY died early Saturday morning, February 23, 2019 at the Absolut of Salamanca following a short illness.

Born December 10, 1920 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late Frank and Mary Lakoma Stefanski. He was married on January 18, 1958 to the former Elizabeth McCaffrey, who predeceased him in 2016.

Mr. Stefanski was a graduate of Salamanca High School.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1943-1946 in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.

Mr. Stefanski was self-employed from 1985-88. Previously, he was employed by the City of Salamanca Department of Development as a Housing Rehab Specialist and Rent Subsidy Program Manager from 1976-85, at Sears Roebuck & Co. as a salesman from 1969-76, and at the former City Carpet & Linoleum Co., Salamanca, New York from 1948-69 as a salesman/installer.

Mr. Stefanski was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the Salamanca Conservation Club, a charter member of the Holy Cross Athletic Club, a life member of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, life member of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535, life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, charter member of the Salamanca Lions Club and Melvin Jones Fellow past president and treasurer, and the Salamanca Chapter AARP. He was a member of the Board of Public Utilities from 1971-77, the Salamanca Indian Lease Authority, Salamanca City Planning Committee, New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for Cattaraugus County from 1992-95. He was a member of the Salamanca Democrat City Committee and the Cattaraugus County Democrat Committee from 1960-90, Treasurer of City Committee from 1969-90, County Executive 1979-2006, treasurer of Daniel Walsh’s first reelection campaign in 1974. He was a member of the Salamanca City Council from 1960-61, elected member of Cattaraugus County Board of Supervisors 1963-64, and an elected member of Salamanca City Council from 1988-89.

Surviving are: two daughters, Laurie A. (Michelle Hamilton) Stefanski, Rochester, NY, Sheila M. (Emo) Monterastelli, Southborough, MA; two sons, Stephen (Tammy Bills) Stefanski, Walworth, NY, John (Cyndy) Stefanski, Salamanca, NY; two grandchildren, Morgan Bills, Walworth, NY, Matthew Bills, Athens, GA; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by seven sisters, Frances Stefanski, Stella Meyers, Helen Liguori, Mary Pounds, Jane Slevinski, Cecilia Prusinowski, Florence Woodarek, and three brothers, Edward Stefanski, Anthony Stefanski, and Joseph Stefanski.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., at which time a prayer service will be held.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mariusz Sierhart, pastor, as celebrant.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Lions Club, www.lionsclubs.org/donate.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.