Kim Henry Stanczyk

Kim Henry Stanczyk, 70 of Erie, Pennsylvania, died at home on Friday, October 7th 2022. Kim was born July 22, 1952 in Elyria, Ohio, a son of the late Chester and Fern Youngman Stanczyk. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother.

Kim, raised in the city, was passionate about the outdoors and especially loved taking walks along animal trails meandering through the 3 Hills and Wintergreen Gorge, where his parents, Fern and Chester, had taught him to respect and cherish the wonders of nature.

He was most at peace picking wild berries and fruits in the woods, trekking amongst butterflies and grasshoppers in the fields, and dragonflies and cattails in the swamp. His eye was as sharp as the hawks he watched soaring high in the cyan sky, exploring the ground for prey.

Known to his family and friends as a thoughtful, caring man of strong character. Kim was immensely proud of his children and their offspring. He dearly loved his son, Adam and daughter, Jennifer, whom he shared his avid love for the outdoors with.

He was happiest when with family. He loved his big brother, Mark, often reminiscing about their youthful adventures. And in later years, as often as he could, he would go on fishing trips and wayward journeys into the countryside with his little sis, Fern. He immensely enjoyed those moments, particularly when fishing on the peninsula surrounded by nature.

When poor health forced him to spend more time indoors, he became a connoisseur of classic films, enjoying the craftsmanship of Hollywood's golden era and those 60s and 70s films full of dialogue, drama, and wit. Freebie and the Bean and Donavan's Reef were amongst his favorite films. And amid all the actors he admired there is only one on the top shelf…John Wayne.

Kim, too, was a big grizzly of a man with the biggest kindest heart you can imagine. He was wise, yet had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and read extensively. He was the wisest, and most intelligent man, you could ever meet.

He will, from time to time, wander down a worn path shaded by pine and oak to the gate and await our arrival. And when we meet again, he'll give us that big bear hug of his that we already miss so much.

Kim is survived by two children, Adam Stanczyk (Erin) of Erie, and Jennifer Stanczyk (Keith) of Erie; his grandchildren, Max Stanczyk, Zak Stanczyk, Amber Wyant (Jimmy), and Logan Stanczyk; and his great-grandson, Kevin Wyant of Erie. He is further survived by his devoted sister, Fern Stanczyk Brown of Erie; brother, Mark Stanczyk (Barbara); and nieces, Fern Lee Stanczyk and Dawn Stanczyk, all of Glasgow, Scotland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sylvia Stanczyk.

At the family's request, private arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd.