Jacob Frank "Jake," "Junie" Kaczor II of Forestville, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the age of 79. He was born on July 5, 1947.
Jake proudly served his country as a Vietnam Army veteran. He was a hard-working man who believed in earning everything he had through determination, perseverance, and a willingness to do whatever needed to be done. He worked at Roblin Steel Plant and later as a maintenance supervisor, where his ability to fix, build, and figure things out served him well. There was very little Jake couldn’t repair or create -- he had a remarkable gift for rigging something out of nothing and always seemed to find a way to get the job done.
Jake had a great love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, riding, hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life, but above all else, he loved his family. His love was sometimes delivered through what his family lovingly knew as tough love, but beneath it was a heart that cared deeply and fiercely for the people he loved.
He was also the biggest jokester, always ready with a story, a prank, or a comment that could make everyone laugh. His humor, stubborn determination, strong spirit, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jake is survived by his beloved wife, Mary "Tory" Kaczor; his children, Precious (Peter) Smith, Shannon (Greg) Schnell, Brandy (Chris) Sobota, Jacob Frank Kaczor III and Glenna Pastor; his stepsons, William Rackiff and Benton Perry; grandchildren, Hailey Malone (husband Zach Malone), Katelyn Sobota, Matthew Sobota, Peter Jacob Smith, Nicolas Smith and Kayleigh Kaczor; great-grandchildren, Cohen Collins, Sawyer Malone and Stella Malone; along with many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends, all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts. Jacob was preceded in death by his father, Jacob Frank Kaczor; his mother, Julia Maslach Kaczor; and his siblings, Stanley Kaczor, Richard Kaczor, Robert Kaczor and Kathleen Cole.
Jake lived a life of hard work, laughter, loyalty, and love. He taught his family through his words, his actions, and even his tough lessons. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories -- from motorcycle rides and outdoor adventures to family gatherings, jokes, stories, and all the little moments that made him who he was.
His hands may no longer be here to fix things, his voice may no longer be here to tell a joke, and his laughter may no longer fill the room, but the love he gave his family will remain forever.
Rest easy, Jake. Your work here is done. You are deeply loved, forever remembered, and will be missed more than words can say.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend calling hours on Thursday, October 15 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 16 at 11:00 AM at St. Hedwig's Cemetery in Dunkirk.
Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III.
