Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
The Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home is a family business serving the West Seneca, NY area that is steeped in tradition. Its rich heritage reflects the value and vision of a respected family, well known for its commitment to excellence.
Its founder, Daniel R. Smolarek, graduated first in his class from the Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, in 1959. Classmates, professors and the general public all took early note of the tireless dedication and passion young Daniel possessed in providing families with outstanding funeral service.
The Smolarek family funeral tradition began in 1960 when Dan, along with wife Pat, opened their first funeral home on historic Broadway at the Cheektowaga-Buffalo City Line. From this accessible location, they were able to conveniently serve families in Buffalo, Cheektowaga-Sloan and bordering suburbs.
As the business grew, it became evident that an additional funeral home was needed to properly accommodate and complement the families being served in the community. To fulfill this necessity, a brand-new second funeral home location was then built on Union Road in Cheektowaga, near both the West Seneca and Depew borders. This elegant facility, with its ideal central location, further expanded the Smolarek tradition. Together, both funeral homes have come to symbolize the finest in facilities and personalized family service in the region.
The tradition continues as the next generation of the Smolarek family takes its place in the business. Sons Daniel Jr. and Scott, strongly uphold the family ideals, principles and personal attention to detail that families have come to expect. It is this strong family bond that qualifies Smolarek Funeral Home to care for the funeral needs of any family with both competence and compassion.
With an astute vision toward the future, the funeral directors at Smolarek Funeral Home will always remain informed and decisive with the ability to proudly continue…… a time~honored tradition.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
Daniel L. Smolarek
President/Licensed Director
Keith A. Wesolek
Licensed Director
Keith A. Wesolek has been with the Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home since 2006. He graduated from the American Academy McAllister Institute in August 2017 and is currently a New York State Licensed Funeral Director. Keith resides in the Village of Depew and is a Polka enthusiast, Buffalo/Sloan history buff and a Sabres fan. He is also a Life/Active member of the Depew FD's West End Hose Company and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2692 Depew/Lancaster.
Joseph Mazurkiewicz
Funeral Associate
Joe has been with the Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home for over 30 years. He is an Exempt Member of the Depew Fire Department Central Hose Co. #4. He currently resides in Depew with his wife.
Carol Hills
Funeral Associate
Carol has worked part time for the Smolarek Funeral Home since 2010. She grew up in Cheektowaga and attended St. Andrew's school and Church. She enjoys meeting and assisting the families and reconnecting with some from the old neighborhood. She enjoys music, concerts, dance, theatre and winter. She currently lives in Alden with her husband.
Ray Barsukiewicz
Funeral Associate
Ray Barsukiewicz is a retired businessman who joined the Smolarek team in 2013. He and his wife Gerrie are members of Our Lady of Czestochowa parish, and live in West Seneca along with their dog, Cosmo. Ray is also an accomplished musician, well known in the Polka music community, both locally and nationally. A lifelong resident of Western New York, Ray often sees friends and acquaintances attending funerals, and makes every effort to assist them during these difficult times.
Thomas J. Skrok
Funeral Associate
Gary Gawronski
Funeral Associate
James Pilat
Associate
Jim Pilat has been off and on with the Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home since 2008 after retiring from the Cheektowaga Police Department as a Police Safety Dispatcher. Jim resides in Cheektowaga, NY with his wife, Chris. He is an avid Yankee fan.
Explore Our Locations
See where we are and find the place that best meet your needs.
Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home - Cheektowaga
2510 Union Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14227
Daniel R. Smolarek Funeral Home - Buffalo
2047 Broadway
Buffalo, NY 14212