Daniel J. Zurek

August 29, 2024 of Cheektowaga, NY. Beloved husband of the late Esther (nee Kielma) Zurek; predeceased by four sisters and two brothers; also survived by nieces and nephews. Dan was a proud US Army Veteran that served during the Korean War. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday September 3rd from 11AM-12PM at the DANIEL R. SMOLAREK FUNERAL HOME, 2510 Union Rd., Cheektowaga (2 blocks south of William St.) where a prayer service & Military Honors will be held at Noon. Private interment in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Please leave condolences online at www.SmolarekCares.com Daniel John Zurek was born on the East side of Buffalo, to Frances and John. His father was a policeman, and his mother was a seamstress. Dan was the youngest of seven children. His older siblings, Matthew, Eddie, Florence, Virginia, Angeline and Viola. As a child, Dan was very close to his parents and siblings. He was an altar boy for eight years. At one point he thought about becoming a priest, but then he noticed girls. He went to grammar school at St. Josaphat’s grammar school. He loved to climb trees, play football and baseball. He went to Burgard High School where he played center field on their baseball team and center on their football team. Danny’s first job was washing windows for Emac and Sons. They made parts for submarines. He then went into the Army during the Korean War. After the war, he got a job at Ernst Construction, making bridges, played in a bar band and took care of his parents. In 1979, he met his wife Esther, at one of the bars he was playing at. He knew right away that she was the one. He loved everything about her. Eventually came the day to meet her mother and he brought pizza and root beer with him. Good thing he did, her mother adored him for it. They married in 1980 Danny loved Esther’s baking and gardening skills, but he loved her personality the most. They joined the choir together at St Josaphat’s Church and remodeled their home together. They had a wonderful life Danny enjoyed living at Peregrine Senior Living and has made many friends throughout the years. He enjoyed music of all types, crafts, bingo, and cooking. His advice to the younger generation was: “Take care of your parents”. His favorite expression was: “Oh, Sh**”. He will be truly missed by all.

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Daniel J. Zurek

February 7, 1928 - August 29, 2024