Tom Urbaniak, 72, of North Tonawanda, NY passed away peacefully on March 20, 2023. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Valentine and Jessie (Fiolkowski) Urbaniak; and the beloved husband of Christine (Archie) Urbaniak, who he married on May 23, 1986 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
Tom was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and attended Niagara County Community College, where he excelled in baseball and was the recipient of the President’s Cup Award. He continued his outstanding baseball career at Brockport State College while earning his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Tom later received his Master’s degree in Education from Niagara University.
Tom began his career as a physical education instructor at the former Nash Road School prior to working at Military Road School where he won Teacher of the Year for 1979 for the Niagara Wheatfield School District. He went on to instruct at Colonial Village School and served as the coach of the J.V. Girls Basketball team, leading them to a title in Glens Falls. He also coached the J.V. Boys Football team.
Put in a nutshell Tom’s philosophy as a physical education teacher reads: “Physical education is an integral part of the whole educational process, and through wholesome activities I can help develop a total child who can come to realize self-worth.” Mr. Urbaniak retired after 33 years of dedication to a community he treasured. Later in life, Tom took great pride in returning to his grandchildren’s elementary school to instruct their gym classes.
Tom was extremely active in many civic organizations and charities, serving as a committee member for the smoking prevention union, preparing EMR children for the Special Olympics at NCCC and the Run for Gold, Jump Rope for Heart, the Hoop Shoot program at the Elks Lodge, and the End of the Year Field Days event within the school district. He also supervised numerous activities at Boy’s Club and was a Certified Water Safety Instructor for Red Cross.
Tom was a devout Catholic, longtime parishioner of Prince of Peace Church and former lector at Fatima Shrine. He loved working on his yard and tending to his gardens. He also enjoyed cross-country skiing. Above all, Tom lived for his family, especially his grandchildren who were his utmost pride and joy in life.
In addition to his wife of 37 years, Mr. Urbaniak is survived by his daughter, Tara (Greg) Puff; his grandchildren, Madelyn, Gabrielle, Alexis and Zachary; his sister, Teresa ‘Terri’ (S. Carl) Hriczak, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 23 from 5 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin on Friday at 9:15 AM, followed by Tom’s Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
