Duane E. Czajka
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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.
I remember the day Duane and Barb moved into 38 Beaman Road.
The two of them added such youth, joy, laughter. and friendship that blessed me for so many years!
Their love gave the world two wonderful sons, Jeff and Chris. I remember sitting in Holy Ghost Church one Sunday and Duane leaned over and said, guess what? We are having another baby! I had fun babysitting these two guys!!
And their parents would even allow my friends to come and “sit” with me.
Many more memories and blessings came into our lives with their births!
My friends loved Duane and Barb. They were like our older brother and sister. We all wanted to be with them in tennis, volleyball, and just hanging out in the backyard.
Jeff and Chris, you were gifted with two parents who loved and supported you always. They were so proud of you and when I was fortunate enough to be in their presence, their love and pride was so visible from their hearts and voice.
I am sure by my faith your parents are now rejoicing to be together with our Lord in the Kingdom of eternal life.
One of my favorite things from our Catholic Liturgy is the following, “Lord, for your faithful, life is changed, not ended.”
Indeed, your parents live in the promises of Jesus.
On a side note, one of my friends whose parents, like mine, are buried at Holy Ghost Cemetery. We like to say, it is the new neighborhood! Your parents, mine, and so many Beaman Road folks are resting side by side.
You and I have had a fortunate upbringing.
May you continue to blessed with one another and your loved ones!
Rob
Duane was my Vice Principal at #8 School in the City for many years. You could always count on him to be pleasant and cheerful always having a story or anecdote to go along with any situation that may arise. He was a valuable member of our faculty.
Duane was a wonderful man who was full of knowledge and a love of Yankees and the Buffalo Bills! It was my honor to get to know him for the past 7 years at The Village. We were literally pulling into Highmark when we learned of his passing, a sign from him. He truly wanted to go on that trip. He will be greatly missed especially at trivia and BUF games. He helped create our choir’s fall celebration this year, so we will dedicate that performance in his honor.
I want to express my heartfelt condolences to Duane’s family. I worked with Duane at #8 school for sixteen years. During those years I enjoyed sharing our interest in sports and music. He always checked the paper for soccer games when my sons were in high school. Also, football season at school was an EVENT. We worked hard too! Our job responsibilities often overlapped so we spent a lot of time working together. Duane always brought a lot of positive energy to the task. He was able to see the lighter side of any situation. I am thankful for those years of friendship. Rest in peace Duane.