Obituary of Dennis Ziolkowski

Dennis Ziolkowski
May 27, 1944 – October 17, 2025

Dennis Ziolkowski of Bowmansville, NY, passed away on October 17, 2025.

Dennis was born on May 27, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, to the late Chester and Viola (nee Annibali) Ziolkowski. A 1962 graduate of Depew High School, he went on to study at the University of Georgia and later earned his degree from Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire. He worked for General Motors in Tonawanda, where he dedicated 34 years before retiring in 2004.

On October 5, 1984, Dennis married the love of his life, Sheryl Franczak, at Bowmansville United Methodist Church. Together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures. Dennis enjoyed the outdoors — especially hunting, fishing, golfing, and camping — and cherished the time he spent with family and friends.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Sheryl (nee Franczak) Ziolkowski; his loving daughter Kari (Michael) DeBergalis; and his adored granddaughters Grace and Olivia, who brought him endless joy. Dennis is also survived by his dear sister Diana (Richard) Altheide; brother-in-law Rickey (late Patricia) Franczak; and several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Dennis’s Life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Bowmansville United Methodist Church, 5344 Genesee Street, Bowmansville, NY 14206. A private burial has taken place at Lancaster Rural Cemetery.

Those wishing to remember Dennis in a special way may make a donation in his honor to Hospice Buffalo, Inc., P.O. Box 590, Buffalo, NY 14240, or to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240.

Dennis will be remembered for his quiet strength, his sense of humor, and the love he shared so freely with those around him.