Dolores Turkasz

Dolores I. Turkasz, a cherished soul, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on September 10, 2025, at the age of 98. Born on December 21, 1926, to the late Esther and Casimer Gaczewski, Dolores was a beacon of light to all who knew her.

She was the beloved wife of the late Aloisius “Al” Turkasz, with whom she shared 76 wonderful years of love and companionship. Together, they built a beautiful family that will carry on her legacy. Dolores was a loving mother to Dennis (Dotti), Linda (Hal) Keatting, Kenneth (Mary), and was preceded in death by her dear son Michael Turkasz. Her heart swelled with pride as she embraced her role as a grandmother to Amy Turkasz, Erin (Michael) Castanza, Christopher (Alexandria) Turkasz, Rachel (Adam) Whelan, Neal (Sara), Alex (Ashley), Steven (Ashley), and Andrew (Ashley) Turkasz. She was also a proud great-grandmother to 15 precious great-grandchildren, who brought her an abundance of joy.

Dolores was a beloved sister, remembered fondly by her siblings, Eleanor (late Larry) Geercken, Betty (late Ray) Wanner, and her dear brothers and sisters who have passed on, Esther Jedrezejewski, Casey, Norman and Danny Gaczewski. She was a cherished sister-in-law to Joan (late Joe) Kulczyk and the late Helen (late Ted) Ciurzynski, Joseph (late Emily) and Edward (late Dolores) Turkasz, and an adored aunt to many nieces and nephews who held her close to their hearts.

Dolores devoted 73 years of her life to her faith as a parishioner of Infant of Prague RC Church, where she found not just a community but a family of fellow believers. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, nurturing her home, and reliving fond memories at the casinos alongside Al.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at Harris Hill Nursing Facility for their compassionate care over the past several years, as well as to Hospice Team 7 for their comforting support.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday September 18  from 3 to 7 PM at the New Comer Cremations & Funerals, located at 5090 Transit Rd., Depew, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday September 19 at 10:00 AM at Infant of Prague RC Church, where all are invited to assemble.

In lieu of flowers, and with Dolores’s spirit in mind, the family requests that contributions be made to Roswell Park Alliance and the MD Anderson Cancer Center, helping to honor her legacy of love and caring for others.

Dolores I. Turkasz will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched, her memory a treasure that will be cherished always.