Thomas J. Paprocki

Thomas J. Paprocki, 89, of Salamanca, NY passed away Thursday morning, November 28, 2024 at home.

Born October 27, 1935 in Salamanca, he was the son of the late Thomas and Sophie Puvel Paprocki. He was married on September 7, 1957 at the former St. Patrick’s RC Church, Salamanca for 67 years to the former Antenia “Tina” Nickola, who survives.

He attended Holy Cross Parochial School and was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1953, lettering in football, baseball, basketball, and track and field.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in Korea.

Thomas had been employed as a Parcel Driver with UPS, Jamestown, NY for over 30 years, where he was inducted into the Circle of Honor for 27 years of safe driving before retiring in 1994. He had also been employed as a car repair inspector with the Erie Lackawanna Railroad for almost 8 years and the former Fancher Furniture Company.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, serving as a member of the Honor Guard. He was Legionnaire of the Year in 2010 and 2011, as well as a life member of the Holy Cross Athletic Club. He was also a member of the Elkdale Country Club.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid golfer, playing in the Monday Mixed Couples’ League with his wife as well as the Thursday Men’s League. During his golf tenure, Tom had 4 holes-in-one at the Elkdale Country Club. He also enjoyed bowling in various leagues. He was an avid outdoorsman, fishing and hunting, and enjoyed dancing with his wife, especially to polkas.

Surviving are: four daughters, Stephanie Peterson, NC, Susan Paprocki, Pittsburgh, PA, Sheila Paprocki, Sally Paprocki, both of Buffalo, NY; a son, Thomas (Joan) Paprocki, Salamanca, NY; two granddaughters, Jessica (Chris), Katlynn (Eric); two grandsons, Gregory (Jessie), Dylan (Tierney); four great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Cameron, Hudson, Gregory; two sisters, Alice Skoczylas, Warren, PA, Barbara Kalamanka, Webster, NY; a brother-in-law, Stanley (Kim) Nickola; many cousins, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, Edward, and Bernard Paprocki, two sisters, Joan Paprocki and Mary Giermek, and a son-in-law, Gregory J. Peterson.

A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street Salamanca, NY on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11am with Rev. Charles Johnson officiating. The family will be present at 10am prior to the service. Due to the winter weather, an online stream is available through Facebook, searching Our Lady of Peace Church, Salamanca.

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 be made to a charity of the donor’s choice or consider making a donation to the Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 0535, c/o Dick Dulanski at 67 Wildwood Avenue, Salamanca, NY 14779.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

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