Dec 17, 2024
Michael E. Brunecz
Michael “Mike” E. Brunecz, 87, of Fredonia, passed away peacefully at Sisters of Charity Hospital on Saturday evening, Dec.7, 2024.
He was born Oct. 2, 1937, in Cleveland, OH, the son of the late Mike and Verna Rose (Fticher) Brunecz.
Mike moved to Chautauqua County in 1948 and graduated from Panama High School class of 1956. He was a talented athlete playing all sports, but he excelled in basketball earning the “Division High Scorer” award in 1956. He went on to further his education at Jamestown Community College and John Carroll University. Mike married his High School Sweetheart, Cynthia Ann (Sard) on Aug. 22, 1959. They were married for 63 years.
In 1969 Mike became the owner of Office Concepts, a family owned and operated retail and wholesale office furniture company. He served many local businesses throughout Chautauqua County. In 1984 Mike joined the Board of Directors at Lake Shore Savings Bank. He leaves a lasting legacy having served as elected chairman from 1993 to his retirement in 2013. He was known for his genuine concern and commitment to the bank, the employees, and members of the Board of Directors. The bank recognized his dedication by renaming the administration building the “Michael E. Brunecz Administration Building.” Mike was very proud of his role with the bank, and his family was very proud of him and his accomplishments.
Mike was an avid golfer and fisherman. He was a member of Shorewood Country Club for over 50 years and served as President on their Board of Directors. Community involvement and service was also very important to him. He served on the Board of Directors for: United Way (President), Salvation Army, Dunkirk/Fredonia YMCA, and the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. He volunteered with the Dunkirk Jaycees and Chamber of Commerce.
He was a member of the audit committee at Fredonia St. Joseph Church and was a member of the Dunkirk Rotary. Mike also led capital drives for: Brooks Hospital, YMCA, St. Joseph Church, United Way (Chairman), Relay for Life, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities.
Survivors include seven children: Christopher (Cheryl) Brunecz of Fredonia, Tracey Brunecz of Westfield, Daniel Brunecz of Fredonia, Jane (Joseph) Szpak of Saratoga Springs, Jonathan Brunecz of Broomfield, CO, David Brunecz of Dunkirk, and Jennifer (Scott Ogden) Brunecz of Broomfield, CO.; seven grandchildren along with two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Ann (Sard) Brunecz; three children: Michael “Mickey” and Timothy “Tim” Brunecz, and his infant daughter, Kimberly Brunecz; one brother, Robert “Bobby” Brunecz; an Aunt and Uncle Mary (Brunecz) and George Tichy, who helped raise him and treated him as a son.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor both Michael and Cythina Ann.
Any memorials may be made in Michael’s honor and memory to the Northern ChautauquaCommunity Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive, West, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home; 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY.
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