Thomas J. Paprocki

1935 - 2024

SALAMANCA - Thomas J. Paprocki, 89, of Salamanca, passed away Thursday morning (Nov. 28, 2024) at home.

Born Oct. 27, 1935, in Salamanca, he was the son of the late Thomas and Sophie Puvel Paprocki. He was married Sept. 7, 1957, at the former St. Patrick's RC Church, Salamanca, for 67 years, to the former Antenia "Tina" Nickola, who survives.

He attended Holy Cross Parochial School and was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1953, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and track and field.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Korea.

Thomas had been employed as a Parcel Driver with UPS, Jamestown, for over 30 years, where he was inducted into the Circle of Honor for 27 years of safe driving before retiring in 1994. He had also been employed as a car repair inspector with the Erie Lackawanna Railroad for almost eight years and the former Fancher Furniture Company.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, serving as a member of the Honor Guard. He was Legionnaire of the Year in 2010 and 2011, as well as a life member of the Holy Cross Athletic Club. He was also a member of the Elkdale Country Club.

Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was an avid golfer, playing in the Monday Mixed Couples' League with his wife as well as the Thursday Men's League. During his golf tenure, Tom had four holes-in-one at the Elkdale Country Club. He also enjoyed bowling in various leagues. He was an avid outdoorsman, fishing and hunting, and enjoyed dancing with his wife, especially to polkas.

Surviving are four daughters, Stephanie Peterson of North Carolina, Susan Paprocki of Pittsburgh, Pa., Sheila Paprocki and Sally Paprocki, both of Buffalo; a son, Thomas (Joan) Paprocki of Salamanca; two granddaughters, Jessica (Chris) and Katlynn (Eric); two grandsons, Gregory (Jessie) and Dylan (Tierney); four great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Cameron, Hudson and Gregory; two sisters, Alice Skoczylas of Warren, Pa. and Barbara Kalamanka of Webster; a brother-in-law, Stanley (Kim) Nickola; many cousins; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph, Edward and Bernard Paprocki; two sisters, Joan Paprocki and Mary Giermek; and a son-in-law, Gregory J. Peterson.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 7, 2024) at Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad St., Salamanca, with Rev. Charles Johnson officiating. The family will be present at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to a charity of the donor's choice or consider making a donation to the Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 0535, c/o Dick Dulanski, 67 Wildwood Ave., Salamanca, NY 14779.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.