The late Matthew D. Kawczynski from Buffalo passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, at the age of 76. His death has prompted his family to honor his memory in a meaningful way. Matthew, a Vietnam Veteran who served in the US Air Force, was also a retired Town of Cheektowaga Fire Inspector and an active member of the Cleveland Hill Fire Department, having earned 50 years of active service in January 2024.
In response to his passing, the Kawczynski family, led by Linda Kawczynski, has organized a fundraiser to establish a new annual scholarship in addition to the existing Beth Kawczynski Memorial Scholarship. The original scholarship, created in memory of Matthew’s daughter Beth who died of breast cancer in 2015 at the age of 36, has been awarded to nine students demonstrating excellence in academics and athletics, with aspirations in Early Childhood Development.
The new scholarship aims to honor Matthew’s legacy by supporting students who pursue careers as first responders or military service members. Donations will go into the Beth’s Battle Buddies fund, which has been active since 2015, ensuring that both Beth and Matthew’s contributions to their community are remembered and that future generations are inspired by their dedication.
The fundraiser has raised $540 of its $2,500 goal with contributions from various donors, including top donor Colleen Mattrey with $100. The Kawczynski family expresses their gratitude for the support received and hopes to continue impacting their community positively through these scholarships.
Note:This post was written and edited by Mila Jackson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.