Florian R. Czaja, 90 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Thursday (November 14, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility.
He was born May 10, 1934 in Batavia, a son of the late Walter Czaja and Stella Czaja Pigula.
Florian graduated from the Batavia Vocational Trade School in 1953 and went on to receive his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a Mechanical Engineer at Eastman Kodak for 40 years and Mutual Clerk at Batavia Downs for 45 years until his retirement. During his retirement, he was employed as Maintenance Supervisor at College Village (GCC) for over 10 years.
He was a member of the Polish Falcons of America Nest 493, lifelong and active member of Ascension Parish, where he served as Trustee for 10 years. He was a member and past president of the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society where he was the recipient of the Annual Holy Name Man of the Year Award for outstanding service to the Church and Community; awarded by the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society in 1967. Florian was also the chairman of the Sacred Heart Church Lawn Fete (20 years) and a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joan Hokula Czaja. Children, Janice (Frank) Keatley of Himrod, NY, Jeanette (Michael) Diehl of Elba and Jacqueline (Mark) McDonald of Griffin, GA. Grandchildren, Lynn (Gregory) Spinelli, Gregory (Gabriella) VanBuren, James (Ashley) Diehl, Kenneth (Kaleigh) Hagen, Kelsey Diehl, Mark McDonald Jr., Jennifer (Adam) Pakiela, Brad (Donna) Keatley and Nicole (Matthew) Gajewski. Great-grandchildren, Jacoby, Samantha and Jameson Spinelli, Grey VanBuren, Evelyn and Michael Diehl and Bryson Diehl. Sister, Barbara (Alex) Guiliani. In-laws, Frank Hokula and Mary Ann (Richard) Harmor, Jr.. Also survived by several step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews
He was predeceased by his grandson, Jared Diehl; Siblings, Blanche (Donald) Konarski, Stanley (Florence) Czaja and Paul Czaja.
Family and friends may call on Sunday (Nov. 17th) from 2-5pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 9:30am at Ascension Parish, South Swan St, Batavia. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Ascension Parish St. Vincent DePaul Society. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.
