Pictured are the two oldest members of the Wojcinski family in attendance, Rita Kucharski of Erie, Pa., and Tom Zielinski of Van Buren.

A beautiful Lake Erie breeze greeted the members of the Wojcinski Family for their 57th reunion which took place on a sunny Sunday in August at the Lower Pavilion, Point Gratiot, Dunkirk. Once again, Connie and Bobek Wojcinski and family, daughter Allison and Josh Richir, and Mallory Wojcinski hosted and catered the event which had 46 people in attendance.

Dinner was held at 1 p.m., along with the family meeting, which concluded with the singing of the “Wojcinski Reunion Song.” Updates and announcements were as follows:

Oldest living descendant: Joan (Griswold) Kaus, of Fairfax, Va., who turned 92 years old in July. Joan is the last living member of the fourth generation and is a member of the Sophie (Wojcinski) and Albert Griswold branch of the family.

Since the reunion was held last summer, our Matriarch, Joan, passed away on Nov. 10, 2024. In addition, another family member, Sister Joseph Marie Marczak, CSSF, also passed away on Oct. 19, 2024. Both will be missed and will be memorialized at the next reunion.)

Oldest descendants in attendance: Rita (Stempien) Kucharski, of Erie, Pa., and Tom Zielinski of Van Buren. Rita and Tom are both members of the fifth generation.

Youngest descendant in attendance: Eleanor Joan Woodard, daughter of “Stony” and Emily Woodard of Fredonia. Eleanor is the granddaughter of Lori (Wojcinski) and Winston Woodard of Cassadaga and is a member of the seventh generation.

There were no deaths since the last reunion, but we learned of two family members who have previously passed: Mary Lou (Zielinski) Haye, who passed June 12, 2021, and Kathie Zielinski on Nov. 24, 2022. Kathie was the wife of Edmund Zielinski of Liverpool. A moment of silence was observed for them and all the members of the family who have passed.

Wojcinski Family members also had some exciting historical news: thanks to the collaboration of cousins – Karen (Fischer) and Gary Lang, and Diane (Marczak) Ventresca, we learned of the actual immigration date for our ancestors — Michael and Mary, and subsequently found the ship they arrived on — “S.S. Salier” that sailed from Bremen, Germany and arrived in New York City on May 3, 1881. In addition, thanks to Diane, we have gathered additional information regarding members of the family of Lawrence Wojcinski, brother of Michael, and our knowledge of our heritage and connections, continues to grow.

— Births — The family increase was three for the past year:

— Ronan Anthony Bloch on Sept. 11, 2023 to Traci (Frank) and Nicholas Bloch. Ronan is the first grandchild for Natalie (Wojcinski) and Tim Frank of Florida.

— Rosalie Jean Henry on Feb. 17, 2024 to Leah (Woodard) and Ian Henry of Buffalo. Rosie is the third grandchild for Lori and Winston Woodard.

— Roman Alexander Montalto on June 8, 2024 to Kristine (Oppenheim) and Anthony Montalto. Roman is the grandson of Susan (Kaus) Oppenheim, great-grandson of Joan Kaus.

— Expecting: Jared and Jaclyn Koperczak in late October. This will be the third grandchild for Amy (Wojcinski) and Lyle Koperczak of Campbell, NY.

— Engagements:

— Kaelyn Richerson to Dylan Thomas – a September 2024 wedding was being planned for Kaelyn, daughter of Katrina (Wojcinski) and Kraig Richerson of Stockton. Kaelyn is the granddaughter of Roseann and the late Ken Wojcinski of Dunkirk.

— Jacob Kucharski to Kris Perry — no date has been set. Jacob is the son of Jason and Sue Kucharski, and the grandson of Rita and the late Ken Kucharski of Erie, Pa.

— Graduation — Kali Benedict from Lorrain County Community College and has taken a position as a Sonographer at a hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Kail is the daughter of Monica (Kucharski) and Bob Benedict of Twinsburg, OH and the granddaughter of Rita Kucharski.

— Military News — Blake Benedict and wife Mary, both U.S. Navy, are currently in their second year of a three-year assignment in Japan. Blake is the son of Monica (Kucharski) and Bob Benedict of Twinsburg, OH, and grandson of Rita Kucharski.

Other news:

— Mallory Wojcinski celebrated 25 years of being cancer-free. Mallory is the daughter of Connie and Bobek Wojcinski of Dunkirk. Mallory also served as “reunion photographer.”

There is a “Wojcinski Family” tree planted at Wright Park as part of the “Tree for Thee” planting campaign that recently was held in Dunkirk. Beginning planning to attend the 58th Wojcinski Family reunion in 2025, always being held on the first Sunday of Aug. 3, 2025.

The “Egg Toss” competition was won by the team of Patrick Ossman and Josh Richir. The Water Balloon toss was won by the daughter/father team of Carilene and Brian Wojcinski, along with mascot, son Jake Wojcinski.

Because of time constraints, this year’s Pinochle tournament was canceled, so the team of Bob Benedict and Winston Woodard, will defend their title next year. Sharon (Zielinski) and Jim Rosplock of Dunkirk were recognized for making the 1st reservation and her brother, Tom and Linda Zielinski were the last reservation.

The Benedicts from Twinsburg, Ohio, were recognized as traveling the farthest. A “White Elephant” sale took place and there were games and water activities for the children. Connie Wojcinski made and decorated the Reunion cake. The evening meal of hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon and brownies ended the day’s festivities.