Dennis J. Piatkowski

PIATKOWSKI – Dennis J.

Of Kenmore, NY May 24, 2023

Husband of 37 years to the late Nancy Carroll Piatkowski; Dear father of Beth (Darick Ashley) Cadenhead; loving grandfather of Tristan and Norah Cadenhead; brother of Linda Niewiemski (Partner of Norman Brzezniak) and the late Joseph Piatkowski. 

Friends may call at D. LAWRENCE GINNANE FUNERAL HOME 3215 Delaware Ave, Kenmore Friday (May 26th) 3:00 - 6:00 PM.  All are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph University RC Church 3269 Main St. (near Winspear Ave.) Buffalo Monday, June 5th at 10:00 AM. Please meet at Church.  Entombment St. Stanislaus Cemetery. 

As a teen Dennis was a counselor at the Buffalo Museum of Science Teepee Camporee.  Besides developing lifelong friendships (and meeting Nancy, the love of his life) this is where he was first introduced to Folk Dancing.  He was a member of the Balkan Dancers of Buffalo &  later became the teacher for groups at Hungarian Reformed Church, St Stephen’s Serbian Orthodox Church, St Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, & St George Serbian Orthodox Church. 

Somewhere along the line he picked up weaving, was a founding member of the Buffalo Craftsman and for many years he and Nancy ran Textiles by Piatkowski, selling their original designs to churches across the US. 

He taught high school English for over 25 years at Cleveland Hill High School.  During this time he managed to go back to Buffalo State College for Creative Studies.  After retirement he continued to substitute teach and ultimately became an adjunct at SUNY Buffalo State. 

He became known for his love of origami and was featured in shows regionally and nationally. 

In his spare time he sang in church choirs across the Buffalo area- two of his favorite choirs were at St. Joseph Cathedral & St. Joseph University Church.  In the post covid world he joined his son-in-law in singing at Church of the Nativity in Tonawanda.  He was a member of various book clubs and Taoist tai chi society. 

Memorial contributions to Catholic Charities of Buffalo 525 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14203

or Friends of the Night People 394 Hudson St. Buffalo, NY 14201 are preferred. 

Please leave condolences at www.GinnaneFuneralHome.com

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