Anatole Petruczok

November 25, 2024 of Orchard Park, NY. Devoted husband of 48 years to Marilyn (nee Olejniczak). Proud father of Bridget (Matthew Matzek) and Christy (Patrick Remington) Petruczok. Beloved grandfather of Henry and Natalia Matzek; dearest brother to Peter (Sonia Sterrett) and the late Helen Hussey (late Larry); also survived by many in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends. 

A Ukrainian immigrant, Tony arrived in Buffalo with his parents, Julia and Max, in 1948. Tony was born in a refugee camp for displaced persons in the American Zone of Munich, Germany. He was an avid reader and history buff who could give the complete account of the crusades or the Roman Empire (including specific book pages) over dinner. 

He graduated with honors from Eden High School. Tony was a Distinguished Graduate, Company Commander, and the top ROTC cadet in his Virginia Military Institute (VMI) class. He was a violinist who loved the Brandenburg concertos, Handel’s Messiah, the Steve Miller Band and the blues. Tony spent 37 years working at Valu Home Centers, where he started as an associate and ascended to become Vice President of Store Operations. 

He was a patient teacher and friend to many, whether it was helping work Ukrainian bingo nights or teaching his grandson how to build his train set. He loved being a handyman, fishing, travel with his wife and kids, playing with his grandkids, and good food. He had a love-hate relationship with golf and the Buffalo Bills. Despite a Parkinson’s diagnosis almost 20 years ago, he and Marilyn traveled to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Patagonia, Europe, and many times to Washington, DC and Boston together to visit family. 

Family present Tuesday, December 3 from 3-7 PM, at New Comer Funerals, 5090 Transit Rd., Depew, NY, where a Panachyda Service will be held at 5 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Liturgy at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 200 Como Park Blvd., 14227 Wednesday at 10 AM. Please assemble at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Cheektowaga, NY) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.