Rev. Dr. Czeslaw Michal Krysa, SLD, known for sharing his beloved Polish culture and traditions, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. He was 70. Born on Sunday, September 12, 1954, in Niagara Falls, New York, to immigrant parents, the late Stanislaw and late Zofia “Sophia” (nee Magdziak) Krysa.
He attended Holy Trinity Elementary School and Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls and then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Theology and Polish Studies; a master’s in Theology and Licentiate of Sacred Theology from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada; a master’s in Liturgical Studies from the University of Notre Dame; a Licentiate of Sacred Scripture and Sacrae Theologiae Doctor from the Pontifical International Institute of San Anselmo in Rome and he earned his master of Divinity degree from SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan.
Recently, on May 15th, Parishioners and friends gathered together to celebrate Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist together with Father Krysa, senior parochial vicar at St. Casimir Church in Buffalo, on the 45th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Rev. Krysa was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Edward Head at Holy Trinity Church in Niagara Falls, New York, his home parish, where Fr. Krysa was baptized into the faith on the Feast of St. Stephen in 1954, and where he received First Holy Communion and the rite of Confirmation.
Father Krysa’s first clerical assignment brought him to St. John Gualbert Parish in Cheektowaga, New York, as assistant pastor.
In 1984, he joined the staff of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary. In 1993, he was named vice rector of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary.
After returning to the Buffalo Diocese in 2003, he was named temporary administrator for SS. Peter & Paul Church, in Arcade, and St. Mary in East Arcade. In 2005, he took on the added responsibilities of episcopal vicar of the Tri-County Vicariate. In October of that year, he was named pastor of SS. Peter & Paul, St. Mary, as well as Blessed Sacrament in Delevan, and Holy Family Church in Machias.
In 2008, he took on the added responsibilities of part-time director of the Office of Worship, a position he held until 2020. He became pastor of SS. Hyacinth & Hedwig Parish in Dunkirk, in June of 2008.
He was named rector of St. Casimir Oratory in May 2011 and continued serving the area as senior parochial vicar of the Family of Parishes #23.
Known for his love and knowledge of Polish culture, he served on the board of the Friends of Polish Art and chair of Polish Culture at Canisius College, was also chaplain to the Polish Scouts and was a member of the Polish American Congress.
In 1984, the Polish American Journal and the Cheektowaga Polish American Festival Committee named Father Krysa as Citizen of the Year. He also received the Oskar Kolberg Award in Ethnography from the Polish Ministry of Culture in Warsaw, Poland.
He authored several articles on Polish traditions, as well as two books “A Polish Christmas Eve: Traditions and Recipes, Decorations and Song.” and “Wigilia – The Vigil Supper.” He also specialized in Religious Devotions and Celebrations of the Domestic Church as well as being a Master Artist in the art of Polish Pisanki. “Pisanki” is the Polish word for decorated Easter eggs, also known as Pysanky in Ukrainian. The tradition of decorating eggs for Easter, which includes using beeswax to create designs, is an ancient and cherished practice in Poland and other Slavic countries.
Fr. Krysa was the dearest nephew of Stanley Golonka, of Pensacola, Florida and also survived by several Cousins and many Friends.
As per Fr. Krysa’s request, Relatives and Friends are invited to a Parish Mass to Celebrate his Life, on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10 am, at St. Casimir Church, located at 160 Cable Street, in Buffalo, New York.
His burial with his parents was held privately at Holy Trinity Cemetery, in Lewiston, New York.
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Casimir Church, 160 Cable St. Buffalo, New York 14206.
His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. We invite you to honor his memory by sharing a picture in our online Photo Album or write a favorite memory in our Guest Book on the Tribute page. Through these memories, Fr. Krysa’s enduring spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us all.
