Duane E. Czajka

Duane E. Czajka (1940-2026) passed away on August 18, 2026 after a brief illness.

A native Buffalonian, Duane was a 1957 graduate of Bishop Timon High School. Following graduation from Buffalo State, he began teaching in the Rochester City School District. After completing a MA in American History at SUNY Brockport, he became a Vice Principal, first at Chester Dewey School No. 14 in the 1970s, and then at Roberto Clemente School No. 8 in the 1980s and 1990s. Known to generations of Rochester schoolkids as “Mr. C,” he retired in 1995.  

He is survived by his sons, Jeff Czajka (Lara Haase) of Penfield and Chris Czajka (Tom Kulesa) of New York City and Asbury Park, NJ; his granddaughter, Norah, of whom he was exceedingly proud; his exceptional sister-in-law, Bev Halligan of Orchard Park; his brother Bob and sister-in-law Kathy Chyka of West Seneca; Linda Bialobok, his friend and companion since his wife’s passing; nieces and nephews; his tennis league friends, and many friends and good neighbors at the Village at Unity, where he has resided since 2016.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Barbara (Halligan) Czajka, who passed in 2021; father, Edward R. Czajka, and mother, Gertrude (Olszewski) Czajka.

Duane had a sharp wit, an uncanny memory and brain for trivia, and a song for every occasion. He loved a good game of tennis, a good snowstorm, and a good book. Always a true son of Buffalo, he never, ever gave up on the Bills.

Duane’s visitation will be held Tuesday (Aug 25th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday (Aug 26th) 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, Greece. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery.

Duane valued learning, education, and critical thinking. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the Friends of the Gates Public Library, c/o Town of Gates Library Board, 902 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY 14624 or to WXXI.