Sylvester C. Buchalski "Sal"

Sylvester C. Buchalski, 78, became our guardian angel on July 2nd, 2020. “Butch” as his family knew him, was born and raised in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY. He was one of six children. Sal now joins his two sisters Frances (Whitey) Baumgardt and Theresa (Lysle) Beach in heaven. He now leaves his sister Pauline D’Esposito and his two brothers Edward (Fran) and Anthony (Ann) Buchalski. Butch served in the Army where he served as Military Police in Petaluma, California. When he returned to Greenpoint, he married the love of his life for fifty-six years, Catherine (“Kitty”) Elker. Together they had two children Mark and Deborah (Ed) and later, two grandchildren Lauren and Andrew Kacherski. In 1977, they moved their family to West Islip, NY. During this time, he worked as a Motorman and later a Motorman Instructor for New York City Transit Authority for 34 years. Butch was famously known for his quick wit and a plethora of jokes. He made everyone in a room feel like family with his stories, hearty laugh, listening ear, and big smile. Butch had the biggest heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and family, telling stories about the “good-ole-days” in Greenpoint, playing pinochle (59 and go) with his brothers and cousins, and doing crosswords and sudoku puzzles. Contributions, in Mr. Buchalski’s memory, to the AMVETS National Service Foundation are appreciated: https://amvetsnsf.org/donations.