William M. Gorka “Bill”
William M. Gorka “Invoice”was called home to our Lord on November 30, 2022 at Brooks Memorial Hospital.
He was born in Dunkirk, NY on January 12, 1934 to the late Theodore and Gertrude (Feinen) Gorka. Theodore died at a young age, and Gertrude later remarried Lowell Reed, who became his sweetheart. “second father” to Bill.
Bill worked for nearly 40 years at the Dunkirk Steel Works. He also worked on the farm and in the garage for Stewart Dudley. He was a very devoted member of St. Joseph’s Church in Fredonia, where he wore many hats. He served as usher, eucharistic minister and was always ready to lend a hand when repairs etc. they needed care. He recently received the St. Joseph Workers Award of which he was so proud.
He was an active bingo worker for many years where he made so many friends. He was a 3rd Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Moose Club.
Bill married the love of his life, Barbara (Prince) and they shared 72 years of loving marriage. They raised five wonderful children; Vickie (late James) Fisher, Robert (Karen) Gorka, Debra Gorka, Michael Gorka and Kimberly (late John) Franklin. A lifetime of love and care centered around children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters. Grandchildren are: Scott (Kimberly) Fisher, Rebecca (Larry) Luba, Heather (Ralph) Stronner, Rob (Lisa) Gorka, Matthew (Stacey) Gorka, Michael Gorka, Nichole (Will) Haas and Amy (Marc) Snyder. Great-grandchildren are: Taylor (Ricky) Hoglund, Megan and Peyton Fisher, Mia and Aiden Gorka, Danielle and Molly Gorka, and Abigail and Oliver Snyder. The two great-great-granddaughters are: Hollyn and Hadleigh Hoglund. Also a special part of the family are Michael and Jamie Landrich, Cathy and Jim Slocum and Heather Greenawalt and family.
Bill and Barbara traveled a lot, starting with tent camping out west, moving on to travel trailers, and eventually traveling the world a bit. They visited Hawaii, then called Yugoslavia, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and a fantastic cruise in Alaska.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by: his brothers: Ted (the late Eunice) Gorka, David (Debbie) Reed; and his sister, Joan (the late Tony) Riforgiato.
Calling hours will be at the LARSON-TIMKO FUNERAL HOME, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia, NY on Sunday, December 4th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, 145 East Main St., Fredonia, NY on Monday, December 5th at 10 a.m. (Please assemble at the Church) with a lunch following the service Beaver Club, 64 Prospect St., Fredonia. Private internment services for the immediate family will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in Fredonia.
Bill’s funeral service will be streamed live on his website, the funeral home’s website, larsontimkofuneral home.com, beginning at 9:45 a.m. and the funeral begins at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fredonia Rescue Squad or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at larsontimko funeralhome.com.
Arrangements by David J. Dengler.