Stephen J. ”Slick” Bialaszewski Jr., 73, of Clinton Avenue, Fredonia, N.Y., died on Oct. 29, 2021, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.
He was born Nov. 16, 1947, in Dunkirk, N.Y., the son of Stephen J. Bialaszewski Sr. and Anna Mizwa Bialaszewski.
Steve was a 1965 graduate of Cardinal Mindszenty High School and Bryant and Stratton Institute, where he earned a degree in accounting.
He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving from December 1967 to March 1969 as a medic. He was honored to have been chosen Battalion Soldier of the Month from over 3,000 other candidates in the 1st Infantry Division known as the Big Red One.
He was known for his strong work ethic. He worked from the time he was a young child as a newspaper carrier, then at Cease’s Commissary with his father performing various jobs within the company. Two weeks after his return from Vietnam, he was hired at Allegheny Ludlum Steel and spent the next 40 years there after his initial job as a cost accountant. Through all the various ownerships of the plant, he served as a clerk in the maintenance department, as a truck dispatcher, storeroom supervisor, supervisor of buildings and grounds, of laborers and janitors, of the scrap metal department. He also did purchasing for the plant, and ended his career as the plant coordinator.
Steve was totally devoted to his family. He married the former Arlene Kuziora on Nov. 7, 1970.
He is survived by two sons: Stephen Bialaszewski III of Fredonia, and Michael (Rita) Bialaszewski of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Survivors also include his sister, Delphine Bankoski; sister-in-law, Deborah (Joseph)) Majka; sister-in-law, Paulette (late Ronald) Bialaszewski; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Stanley and Blanche Kuziora; by his sister, Barbara Bernstein; and his brother, Ronald Bialaszewski.
Steve was always the life of a gathering, the person you always wanted to be seated next to. He was a raconteur of stories and endless jokes. Because he was such an avid reader of all news stories, he was a brilliant conversationalist who could entertain everyone. His quick wit amused even strangers.
Steve was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan. He always said he would not die until the Bills won a Super Bowl — and that meant he might live forever. One of his hobbies was collecting Bills mementos, especially their seasonal flags which he draped from one end of his ranch house to the other and throughout the yard.
After his retirement, he became a gourmet cook, finding joy in preparing both new and favorite recipes for his family and friends. He was also obsessed with musical information about the 50s and 60s and was never stumped by anyone. Had he had a choice in life, he would have been a DJ cheering us up with music, jokes and stories.
Steve’s life was based on loyalty, honor, duty and hard work. He was a wonderful example of what a husband, father, relative and friend should be. He earned the devotion of so many who loved, admired and respected him.
Steve’s wish was to have no funeral services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for his immediate family.
Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
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