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Leo Wolanin

1960 - 2023

Leo Wolanin obituary, 1960-2023, Irving, NY

Leo Wolanin Obituary

Leo Wolanin, 63, of Irving TX, entered into God's kingdom on December 20th, 2023. He was born on July 4th, 1960, to Leo and Viola Wolanin in Cheektowaga NY. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his beloved sister, Cynthia.

Leo was the most loving and devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was survived by his brother in law, Patrick Cunningham two nieces, Meghan Jackson (Benjamin) of Tallmadge, OH; Erinne Mosehauer (Megan) of Rochester, NY; nephew Ryan Cunningham of Jamestown, NY, and his Great Nephew, Nolan and two Great Nieces, Riley and May Cynthia.

Upon graduation from Maryvale High School in Cheektowaga NY in 1978, Lee moved to Houston where he attended the University of Houston and graduated earning his bachelor's degree in 1982.

Lee had the personality and natural charisma to make friends no matter the situation, he often opened his home as the gathering place for a nice meal and good company. Lee was a man of many stories, who cherished his worldly travels, sporting adventures, and love for music. He lived every day in the moment and lived life to the fullest.

Buffalo had a special place in Lee's heart. His hometown was the cornerstone of his family, including his many cousins, his childhood friends, the perfect Buffalo chicken wing, and of course his beloved sporting teams; the Bills and Sabres. His visits often led to reminiscing about his Polish heritage, childhood memories, and with a well-rounded meal of pierogis, polish sausage or Golumpki.

Lee was a truly great man whose impact will be forever felt by his family and friends, that loved him dearly. He was a fun-loving, adventurous, and good-hearted man whose passing left an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones.

We hope all his family and beloved friends will share their memories and photos to celebrate Leo's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Buffalo News from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2024.

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5 Entries

Philip Pennington

August 19, 2025

I was a student at the University of Houston and shared a dorm with Leo at One Cougar Place. I admired Leo because he joined the Texas State Guard to help pay his college expenses. As a former Army Infantry soldier going to college on the GI Bill was the only way I could afford college too. Leo was a warm and friendly guy who made friends easily. I've often thought about Leo over the years and I wished that I had kept in touch with him. May God bless Leo and open the gates for Leo for entry into his eternal kingdom.

Brian Schuhmann

January 11, 2024

Leo was a good longtime friend who was always a good time to have around. He was always good natured and lighthearted and will be sadly missed.
RIP Leo

Scott Jaskier

January 11, 2024

I will always admire Leo's dedication to his friends and family. He always called, stayed in touch and when he came home to visit, no matter where we lived, he always included me as one of his many friends and family.

Scott Jaskier

January 11, 2024

I will always admire Leo's dedication to his friends and family. He always called, stayed in touch and when he visited, no matter where we lived, he always included me as one of his many friends and family.

Carmen Santiago

January 10, 2024

Leo was one of my best friends growing up we lived down the street from each other,I knew his whole family I am deeply saddened,my sympathy to his family he will be greatly missed all my love Carmen.

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