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January 30, 2013
Edward J. Pawenski

The Tonawanda News

TONAWANDA — Surrounded by family, Edward J. Pawenski rejoined his wife in their heavenly home on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, after a brief illness. He was a graduate of Renouard's School of Embalming in New York City before serving in the Navy as a Chief Pharmacist Mate aboard the LST 393 in the Atlantic Theater of WWII. After the war, he attended Buffalo State College, UB. Edward and his wife owned and operated the Pawenski Funeral Home for 28 years. He was also an Executive Vice President of M&T Bank until his retirement in 1986.

As a member of the Niagara County Board of Supervisors (legislature) from 1958-60, he passed a resolution to establish a community college in Niagara County. From 1960-2012 he served on the Board of Trustees of Niagara County Community College, becoming the longest serving trustee in NY State at 52 years. He served as Chairman of the Board for 19 years. He received the Special Achievement Award from the Association of Community College Trustees in 1987, the highest award a trustee can receive in the SUNY System. In addition, he was one of only two recipients of the ACCT Founders Award to those that were responsible for founding community colleges in NY State.

Edward was dedicated to his church and community. As a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa he was asked by Father Constantine Kwiatkowski to be the very first lay lecturer and Eucharistic Minister. He was Chairman of the Bingo committee and was inducted to the Hall of Honor as a past president of the OLC Holy Name Society. He was a member of American Legion Sikora Post, Amvets, Knights of Columbus, American Institute of Banking, NT Volunteer Firemen's Benevolent Association, Oliver Street Businessman's Association, and many other civic organizations.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Frances (nee Pietak); his parents, John and Pauline Pawenski of Schenectady; his dear daughter, Candice; and his sisters, Mary Crevier and Helen Oreshan.

He is survived by his four loving daughters, Dale Ann Harvey of North Tonawanda, Edda (Gary) Slowinski of Plantation, FL, Faith (Richard) Andres of North Tonawanda, Georgette (William) Schultz of Cheektowaga. He is also survived by 13 adoring grandchildren, Cynthia, Jenna, Scott, Gary, Yvonne, Rebecca, Richard, Amie, Edward, Amanda, Jonathan, Kara and Bradley, and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1-4 and 6-9 PM at the Colucci (formerly Pawenski) Funeral Home, 652 Oliver St., North Tonawanda, NY, on Friday, February 1, 2013. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OLC Church, 57 Center St., North Tonawanda, NY, on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Edward Pawenski to the NCCC Foundation Scholarship Fund, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132.

Visit www.tonawanda-news.com/obituaries for online guest register.

Family/Spouse: PIETAK, Frances. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Faith married ANDRES, Richard Lauren [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: HARVEY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: SLOWINSKI, Gary. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: SCHULTZ, William. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]