Thomas J. Pchelka

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Thomas J. Pchelka, 66, of Fredonia and The Villages, Florida died unexpectedly Thursday (Nov. 27, 2008) at ECMC in Buffalo.

He was born Aug. 12, 1942 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Joseph and Lena (Leone) Pchelka.

Tom graduated from Dunkirk High School, Class of 1959, and was an alumnus of Michigan State University with a degree in marketing.

A past employee of Niagara Therapy in Brocton, Tom then founded and operated Lena's Pizza Parlor in Fredonia in 1971, and The Caboose in Fredonia in 1977, until his retirement in 2005.

His memberships included St. Anthony's R.C. Church, Dunkirk Moose Lodge #89 and the Fredonia Beaver Club. He was a former member of Tri County Country Club.

An avid Buffalo Bills fan, Tom loved to golf and was an avid poker and billiards player. He started many pool leagues which also played at The Caboose.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Jeanette (Ferrugia) Pchelka, whom he married Dec. 26, 1964; their children, Justine Pchelka of Indiana, Jennifer (Michael) Pulver of Fredonia; grandchildren Melissa, Allison, Meadow; brothers John Pchelka of Florida, Vern (Renee) Pchelka of Fredo- nia; aunts Mary Zacharzewski, Loretta (Mike) Maslach, both of Dunkirk; uncles Frank Phelka of Florida, Julius (Mary Ann) Leone of Fredonia; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Pchelka.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 9:10 and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 o'clock in St. Anthony's R.C. Church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to be made to the Fredonia Fire Department, 80 West Main Street, Fredonia, NY 14063.