Ronald J. Lewandowski

1940 - 2026

Lewandowski, Ronald J.

Apr 16, 1940 - Feb 4, 2026

Of Lewiston, NY, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. He was born in Buffalo, NY on April 16, 1940 the son of the late Emil and Adele [Skowronski] Lewandowski. Ron received his diploma in Aviation Repair and Maintenance from Burgard High School. He continued with past graduate studies and received FAA Licenses authorizing him for aircraft repair and inspection. During the summer he worked for local Flight Schools where he traded his salary for flight time. To further his education, he went on to complete his undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Buffalo, graduate MBA degree from Rutgers University as well as a graduate from the US Army Command and General Staff College. As a Mechanical Engineer, he specialized in the process of thermodynamics (industrial heat transfer) in the custom design of industrial shell & tube heat exchangers for the Chemical, Oil, and Gas Process Industries. In the industry he was referred to as "Doctor Heat Transfer". Until the age of 80, he was President and Engineer at Cataract Steel Industries, in Niagara Falls, NY for 26 years, prior to his position at Cataract Steel Industries, he was Owner & CEO of American Vicarb Corporation, Hopkins Manufacturing Industries and Cataract Standard Corporation. Ron retired from the US Army as a Lt. Colonel after 27 years of service. He served as a Combat Engineer Commander, Training Battalion Commander and served in Army Aviation. As an avid military and general aviation enthusiast, he continued his flying career in General Aviation. First aircraft he flew at age 14. As a civilian Private Pilot, he flew and owned several aircraft until his death. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (50 year member), National Warplane Museum, American Legion, Life Member Military Officers Association of America and member of St. Peters Holy Name Society. At one time he was an active member of the Niagara Club (President), Niagara Falls Country Club and Youngstown Yacht Club. Ron was the husband of 64 years to the late Harriet [Syhlowy] Lewandowski, who passed away in October of 2025. He is survived by his children Thomas and Scott Lewandowski, Suzanne (Jasper) Reese, five grandchildren Steven, Dr. Joanmarie, Eva, Bradley and Madelyn. He was the grandfather of the late Michael Lewandowski. Everyone is invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. Arrangements were made through the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, Lewiston, NY. Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.