Dunkirk — Jerome J Tarnowski 91 of Dunkirk New York died from a brief illness on February 19, 2025 at Brooks Memorial Hospital. He was a resident of Dunkirk for 91 years, he was born on September 15, 1933 to the late John and Agnes (Witkowski) Tarnowski.
Jerome grew up in Dunkirk attending Dunkirk schools and then serving in the U. S. Navy from 1953-1955 as a general seaman and was released from active duty in March of 1955 and headed back to Dunkirk to start his adult life.
He was an avid roller skater and met the love of his life Betty Jane Dailous through friends at the roller rink. The courtship went on for several years, picking her up on his service cycle for their dates. The service cycle must’ve wowed Betty and they were married on June 9, 1956 for 66 years before her passing in 2022.
He was employed in numerous jobs to make ends meet in construction until he landed a job at Niagara Mohawk Steam Station in Dunkirk as a maintenance mechanic for the boilers and also spent many years in the tool room. He retired after 30+ years in September 1994.
Jerome spent many years running St. Elizabeth Ann Seton bingo with his wife and many close friends. He also was a bingo player himself and enjoyed that as well.
He took up golf at the age of 61 and was hooked. He went on many golf trips down south with a bus load of very close buddies and thoroughly enjoyed the friendships that lasted through his life. He also loved golfing with his brother Mongy before his passing and now carries on the golfing tradition with his grandsons and nephews. This was very special for him and actually golfed last year when he was 90, which was his goal. He also was a deer Hunter, loved his camping trips to Allegheny State Park for over 30 years with the family. He was an avid Gardner who grew the most incredible Polish tomatoes from seed that everybody enjoyed. He loved going to the “Bills” game and tailgating with the group. His favorite hobby was giving out candy. That is why his nickname is the “Candyman” No matter where he was he had a pocket full of lifesaver mints or fireballs. They were given out anywhere he was, church, grocery store, at the bank, doctors office, social clubs or paying his bills in person.
Jerome will be remembered for his loving, caring, giving the shirt off his back, kind of guy. If you ever needed help, he would be there in a second. He loved to work outside. Everything he did was perfection.
Jerome was full of wisdom, knowledge, he has a strong Catholic Faith, never missing church and said the rosary every day to bring him comfort. His most enjoyment in his life was making people laugh and spending time with his grandchildren. He was so proud of each and every one of them. He loved showing off his garden to his grandchildren, and just sitting in the backyard talking it over. In his words, let’s take a breather and have a little split beer. There wasn’t a day that went by that we didn’t see that beautiful smile and knew we would end up laughing because he is the biggest jokester. His favorite saying when you asked him how he was doing? His reply was, “Fine and Dandy, Sweet as Candy”
Jerome was a life members of the Kosciusko Club, Moniuszko Club, Dunkirk Falcons, First Ward Falcon Club, Murray Hose Company #4 and the Murray Men Drum Corp as a “drummer”.
Jerome is survived by his daughters, Brenda (Skip), Swanson, Betty (Robert) Dimmer, Grandchildren, Erik Hearburg, Christopher (Samantha) Dimmer, Richard (Rachael) Swanson, Matthew Dimmer, Emily Swanson and Great-Granddaughter Aubree Dimmer. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Dailous) Tarnowski, his brother Conrad Tarnowski, Edwin “Deadeye” Tarnowski, his sister Mildred Modziewski, Alfonse “Mongy”Tarnowski, Chester “Fat” Tarnowski, Raymond Tarnowski and Baby Janina.
Our family sends out a sincere Thank you to Brooks Hospital Staff, especially Dr. Kahn, Dr. Al-Mando, Dr. Shahzad, ICU nurses and 3rd Floor nursing staff that showed such kindness to our “Dad”
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 3-7 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church. Military Honors will be conducted by the Dunkirk Joint Veteran Council immediately following the Mass. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.