Obituary: Donald Sadlocka

Donald Andrew Sadlocka was born Dec. 8, 1948, in North Tonawanda. He died peacefully in Watertown after a brief illness on Oct. 29, 2023, in the presence of family members. He was the son of the late Casimer Sadlocka and Mathilda (nee Niemiec) Sadlocka. He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth (Bernard) Grooms, and by his brother, Paul Sadlocka.

Don was beloved by sisters Janice Sadlocka of Godfrey, Canada, and Cassandra Gephart-Todaro of Madeira Beach, Florida; by nephews Glenn (Kimberly) Stacharczyk of Williamsville, Gary (Lisa) Stacharczyk of Melbourne, Florida, Robert (Margaret) Gephart of Albion, Casey Grooms of Antioch, California; and by nieces Alizabeth Allgood of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Jeanne (Michael) McClure of Raleigh, North Carolina, Lisa (nee Grooms) Wackernagel of Watertown, Kimberly (nee Grooms) Phillips of Watertown, and Amanda Sadlocka of Titusville, Florida, and their families. He is also survived by his Aunt Claralu Sadlocha of Middleport, and by numerous cousins.

After graduation from North Tonawanda High School, Don attended Parsons School of Design in New York City before answering the call from “Uncle Sam” and enlisting in the Navy. He served on the USS Peoria in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he settled in San Diego for 10 years then returned to North Tonawanda. He spent most of his life in the Tonawandas and was active at the Dom Polski Club in North Tonawanda before moving to Watertown in 2014. An avid reader and music lover, Don had an extensive collection of books and Elvis memorabilia. He will be remembered for his love of life.

Donations can be made in his memory to the COPD Foundation or the American Heart Association.

Don will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Sackets Harbor Military Cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of his family at a date to be announced.