John Joseph Kaluzny, a Social Worker Supervisor and an Army Veteran passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at home following a short illness. He was 86.
A Buffalo native, John J. Kaluzny was born to Catherine (nee Wegrzyn) and John Kaluzny. A member of Canisius High School Class of 1951, he continued his education and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Canisius College in 1955 and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the State of New York at Buffalo in 1968.
From 1955 to 1957 Mr. Kaluzny served as a platoon leader and claims officer and first Lieutenant in the Army stationed in Germany. It was there that he met Dorothea (nee Stromereder) who has been his loving wife and partner for 62 years.
From 1957 to 1990 Mr. Kaluzny served in Social Work supervisory positions at Erie County and New York State Social Service Departments, as well as the Buffalo General Hospital Community Mental Health Center and at the West Seneca Developmental Center.
Mr. Kaluzny was a commissioner of Human Relations for the City of Buffalo and a Democratic Committeeman for the Town of Tonawanda. He was a member of the UB Social Work Alumni Association and was a volunteer greeter at the 1986 World University Games in Buffalo. He was also a community activist for mosquito control and the Tonawanda Creek cleanup. He enjoyed community activities, photography and sports. He and Dorothea enjoy the arts, theater and travel, having covered 46 states, 7 countries, the Caribbean, and US National Parks.
In addition to Mrs. Dorothea Kaluzny, survivors include a daughter Carol (Edward J.) McCouch. His two grandsons Edward S. (Bonnie) McCouch and Matthew J. (Taryn) McCouch and 3 great-grandchildren Arielle E. McCouch, Keira A. McCouch and Evan M. McCouch. He is also survived by his siblings Helen (late John) Pirog, Patricia Panek and Lawrence (Rose) Panek as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
A private funeral service was held as it was John’s wish for family and friends to simply remember him in their thoughts and prayers, and to love one another.
