John J. Chmurzynski

John Joseph Chmurzynski. He was so many things--Dad, John C., Chum, Uncle John, Papa Dziadzia, Papa John. Born in 1955 to a Polish father, Florian, Irish mother, Charlotte, and “my big sister Kathie” (as he always said). He grew up in Kaisertown with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was an excellent father—he always made time for us when we were growing up. Even after a long day at work. He would play catch with us outside, go for bike rides, play street hockey, teach us how to ice skate, and on and on. He was always there for us, where ever or whenever we needed him--"you call, I haul!"

He was a hockey player, playing in the Junior A division in Ontario and Buffalo in the 1970s. He continued playing recreationally until just a few years ago. He was so grateful for his hockey community. Those men meant a lot to him. Hockey was a big part of who he was--one of his greatest passions.

He was a big Detroit Red Wings fan--his favorite of the "original six", and he was also a Buffalo Sabres fan. He was so excited for these playoffs. You may remember him yelling “HIT 'EM!” or “PULL THE GOALIE!”, even in the first period, no matter where he was watching the game.

He was also a Bills fan—he always said he would let the bison out of the zoo if The Bills ever won the Super Bowl. If you're reading this: he's going to need someone else to take this on for him.

He recently started going back to the gym “pumping iron” as he liked to say. He was impressed with his body’s ability to get stronger even at age 70. It was inspiring to see him get back into it and find such joy and community in that. I’m told he made friends at the gym—of course he did. He was a friend to everyone.

He was also an artistic guy—he loved to draw and doodle. My love for art started with him at the kitchen table when I was about 5 or 6. He’d draw something and I would try to copy it. We would draw with sticks in the snow, carve pumpkins, and build snowmen together.

He lived life to the fullest. He was confident, he spoke up, he spoke his mind. He was honest. A straight shooter.

He was a problem solver and a hard worker. He spent 44 years working for Danforth where he got to be a mentor to other men. They took great care of him and were like another family to him.

He really was an all around great guy, so loved by his community. He loved reading the paper and he always had something interesting to chat about. Catching up with him was always the best.

In recent years, he did not want to say goodbye on the phone anymore—he insisted that it was just “see ya” “later” “ auf wiedersehen” or his favorite “ciao ciao”. So, here we are, even though this is truly goodbye, it’s really just for now—we’ll see you on the other side, Dad. Ciao ciao.

Beloved wife of Beth Chmurzynski. Loving father of April (Alex) Brown and Alex (Carolyn) Chmurzynski. Cherished grandfather of Jackson, Brooke, Gwen, and August. Brother of Kathleen (Richard) Grupka. Son of the late Florian and Charlotte Chmurzynski. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Visitation will be on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 2pm - 6pm at DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 3070 Delaware Ave, Kenmore NY. Flowers gratefully declined.