Rev. Michael H. BURZYNSKI

BURZYNSKI - Rev. Michael H.
September 4, 2023 - Devoted son the late Herman F. and Genevieve (nee Szeliga) Burzynski. Survived by many cousins. Longtime friend of Bob (Judy) Winkler. The family will receive friends at the C. Mertz and Son Funeral Home, Inc. 911 Englewood Ave. Thursday from 3-7 PM. All are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Gualbert Roman Catholic Church, 83 Gualbert Ave. Cheektowaga, NY 14211 Friday at 11:00 AM, to be celebrated by Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher, Bishop of Buffalo. In lieu of flowers donations in Mike's memory to St. John Gaulbert Parish or St. John Kanty Parish for celebration of masses for eternal salvation. Please share condolences at www.mertzfh.com Rev. Michael H. Burzynski, PH.D is a native of Cheektowaga. He attended Our Lady Help of Christians school, Bishop Neumann High School, Canisius College of Buffalo, the University of Notre Dame and Christ the King Seminary. He holds four advanced academic degrees, including a doctorate in psychology and masters in theology. Before entering the priesthood, he was a professional psychologist and diocesan assistant superintendent of schools. He has taught at the University of Notre Dame, Villa Maria College, and Niagara University. He was ordained a priest at Our Lady Help of Christians in 1989.
He served as deaconate at Annunciation Parish in Buffalo, and as parochial vicar at Assumption in Buffalo (where he first was introduced to Polish-American ministry), St. Aloysius in Cheektowaga, and St. John the Baptist in Kenmore. He was pastor of St. Mary of the Cataract parish in Niagara Falls between 2000 and 2011. He also restored and renovated the church in a classical style. He was the Catholic chaplain of the Niagara Falls Fire Department. He was town historian for Cheektowaga and president of the Cheektowaga Patriotic Commission. He was Priestly Life Chairman for the Council of Priests of the Diocese of Buffalo, and served as the interim Diocesan Director of Worship. He is currently on the board of directors of the Notre Dame Club of Buffalo. Rev. Burzynski has been honored for his priestly services rendered to the Knights of Columbus as State Chaplain, by being the Honoree of the 2011 Exemplification of the Fourth Degree. In 2012 Fr Mike was honored with the Religion Award from The Am-Pol Eagle. Father Mike's relic collection is a diocesan shrine housed at St. John Gualbert Parish in Cheektowaga. In 2017: In recognition of decades of service to the University of Notre Dame and the Notre Dame Club of Buffalo and Western New York, the club has presented its highest honor, the distinction of Person of the Year, to the Rev. Michael H. Burzynski. Since ordination in 1989, he has continued on the club's board and served as its chaplain. He retired from active ministry in March 2022.