Richard J. Dembek, 80, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away Sunday May 29, 2011 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. Born in Brooklyn, NY he was the son of the late Walter and Sophie (Segelski) Dembek.

Richard was raised and educated in Flushing, NY. He served in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class during the Korean War from September 12, 1950 until his honorable discharge on September 11, 1954. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. On May 7, 1955, he married Barbara A. (Trainor) Dembek in the former Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Niagara Falls. Mrs. Dembek predeceased him in 2001. Richard worked in maintenance at the Carborundum Corp. in Niagara Falls, and from 1976 until his retirement in 1995, General Motors Corp. in Tonawanda, NY. Richard was an avid bowler and participated in various local bowling leagues. He also enjoyed camping, and most of all spending time with his family.

Mr. Dembek is survived by his four children, Kathy (Sam) Licata, Joseph R. (Christine) Dembek, Mary M. Dembek, all of Niagara Falls, NY and Robert C. (Jeannine) Dembek of North Tonawanda, NY; seven grandchildren, Jessica, Matthew and Natalie Licata, Nicole, Joseph, Stephanie Dembek and Braedon Dembek; as well as great-grandchildren, one sister Deloris (late Tony) Defino of Beth Page, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by two brothers Edward Dembek and Walter Dembek.

Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3 – 8 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday June 1st at 10:30 AM with Rev. Michael Wurst, officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Lewiston, NY. Memorials offerings may be made to Spina Bifida Association, 4590 MacArthur Blvd. N.W., Suite 250, Washington, DC 2007 or Roswell Park Cancer Institute Alliance Foundation, PO Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240.