I graduated with Brian Kuklewicz from Saint John Kanty’s in 1981. He grew up on Quincy and Schmarbeck Streets. I received numerous emails and calls over the weekend informing me of the sad news, but I waited to post until the name was officially made public.
From WIVB…
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Brian Kuklewicz was a Cheektowaga native that grew up on the east side of Buffalo. He leaves behind his wife Karen, they were married for 14 years. He was a devoted father of 8-year-old twins who will have their 9th birthday on Wednesday without their father.
The last time I saw Brian was at a reunion a few years ago for our class. I have always been amazed by our class and how everyone from it has gone on to do a lot of great and wonderful things…Brian included.
It is very hard to come up with words at a time like this, but BFA sends its continued thoughts and prayers out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
This was very hard for me to write…just heartbreaking.
🙁
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Dobry Jezu, a nasz Panie, daj jej wieczne spoczywanie!
My love and prayers go out to Brian’s family and friends. May he rest in peace and his family find strength in God’s love.
I am Brian’s wife of 14 years and appreciate all the prayers offered to me and my twin boys. Brian, up until the day he died still talked about Kanty’s and all his memories. I will love and miss his forever.
Karen Kuklewicz
I never met Brian in person, but from listening to Karen speak of him, I know he was a wonderful man, husband, and father. Karen, you are in my thoughts and my prayers. Brian will always be with you and the boys. Be strong.
I knew Brian from the neighborhood and from teaching him in school. I was known as Mrs. Carol, the librarian. I remember Brian very well. My heart goes out to the family! Please know you are all in my prayers and my heart. I pray often for all the kids from the ole’ neighborhood and wish them all well. Brian I am proud to know you grew up and did so well. I am so sorry that your life was cut short. My love to you angel!
Mrs Carol
Brian was my cousin, over the years, some of the family has drifted apart and we all grew up and had families and lives of our own. We get busy with our lives and our own issues, but I will never forget when we were young and visiting Brian and his family and all the other cousins I have in the Buffalo area. I occasionally saw Brian and his sister at the YMCA and he would always stop to talk to us and we would laugh a little and then go our separate ways to do it again some other time.
Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Karen and Family,
I send my deepest sympathy…
My thoughts and prayers are with you…I send my love and healing energy to you. Take Care…
Karen and Brenda and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Karen-There are many, many sending healing, hope, prayers and love to you and the boys.
With love and remembrance,
Kimberly Beroset
I am one of Brian’s classmates from St John Kanty’s. I was very lucky to run into Brian and his family once in a while. I feel so blessed to have seen him the Saturday before at The Marina for the Pond Hockey. It will be nice to remember seeing Brian and his beautiful wife Karen and their two adorable sons as a happy family. My prayers and thughts are with the entire family. Brian will be sorely missed. He was a great guy!
Much love and strength,
Michelle
Karen and Boys, I am truely sorry for your loss of Brian. His smile was always a joy to see. He loved everyone. He never held grudges .A true remarkable man , husband and Father. I know he loved you all. When he talked with me you could hear the joy in his voice , and how proud he was of his Family. Brians zest for fun and laughing with friends and family was very great. I will miss you Brian. But I will always remember you. My prayers go out to your family and all those who were with you on the flight. Bless you all.
Love , laugh, remember, be strong as he would
Stephanie
Karen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss,god bless you all.
Chris, thanks for remebering Brian on your website. As you know, he was one of my best friends. The East Side was one common bond we had that always kept us close. I went to St. Stan’s, I can appreciate the closeness he shared with all the Kanty folks. I have never met a person more sincere and trusting. Brian helped me get through the good times and bad times in college. We went to lunch almost everyday while we attended school. He always talked about Karen and the love he had for his best friend’s sister. I hope and pray for peace for all those who were touched by Brian’s unique passion for life. I pray for Karen and the kids so that somehow they understand what Brian’s role in life was. His lessons that he taught me will help me forever. Thanks Brian!
Friends until we meet again,
Jeff Zielinski
It has been 6 months since that horrible night yet it feels like it was yesterday. Not a day goes by that I do not think about Brian. My sister Lynn & Brian’s sister Brenda are still best friends. Just like anyone else who grew up in the ole neighborhood or attended Kanty’s, there is a bond that will be there forever – NO matter what! My family & I went to the TERRIFIC benefit that was held for Karen on Sunday – GREAT JOB!!! It was nice to see all the people who actually still care about others there. Brain , we miss you & love you! God Bless Karen, their boys and family and all the caring people who helped put together the benefit!