We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Chet Kozlowski, a beloved figure in Dunkirk, New York, and a well-known personality in Western New York’s television newsrooms. Chet passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and service to his community and his profession. His contributions to local news coverage, public service, and the cultural landscape of the region will be remembered for years to come.
Chet was well-known for his role as a stringer for WKBW’s Eyewitness News, where he covered the Dunkirk-Fredonia area for many years. His work as a photographer and stringer brought vital breaking news from the westernmost part of the region into the homes of thousands of viewers. As a local stringer, Chet played an integral role in bringing the news to life, often working behind the scenes to cover important local stories.
His daughter, Jennifer, shared the heartbreaking news of his passing, expressing her sadness at the loss of her father. “We lost an incredible man today,” Jennifer wrote, capturing the profound sense of loss that his family, friends, and the broader Dunkirk community feel. “My dad was an important part of so many lives and left a lasting impact wherever he went.”
Chet Kozlowski’s life was more than just a career in the newsroom or a series of photos and stories broadcast to a wide audience. He was a tireless supporter of his community, where he lived for much of his life. A man of action and service, Chet was elected to the Dunkirk Common Council, where he served his community with dedication and a deep sense of responsibility. His commitment to the people of Dunkirk was reflected in his work on the council, where he was known for his tireless advocacy for local issues and his willingness to collaborate with others to solve problems facing the community.
Beyond his work in local government, Chet also helped establish the Community Christmas Sharing with Children program, which has become a vital part of Dunkirk’s charitable landscape. Through this initiative, Chet brought holiday cheer to many families in need, ensuring that children in his community would have gifts to open during the holiday season. His involvement in such programs reflected his caring nature and his desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Those who knew him remember Chet as a kind and generous individual, always willing to lend a hand and make a positive impact in any way he could. His legacy in Dunkirk is one of service, and the community will forever be grateful for the work he did to better the lives of its residents.
Chet’s contributions to local news in Western New York began in the early days of television, when newsrooms throughout the region relied heavily on stringers to cover breaking stories in remote or rural areas. For years, Chet was the go-to photographer for WKBW’s Eyewitness News, capturing significant events in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. His photos became an integral part of the station’s coverage, often providing crucial visuals for breaking stories.
As a stringer, Chet was known for his keen eye, his professionalism, and his ability to capture compelling moments in the midst of breaking news. His work often included everything from accidents to community events, from local fires to political campaigns. In an era before social media and widespread citizen journalism, Chet was one of the unsung heroes who made it possible for newsrooms to cover the far reaches of the region, bringing important stories to the viewers of Western New York.
Chet’s dedication to his craft earned him the respect of both his colleagues and his viewers. As local newsrooms increasingly relied on a network of stringers to cover stories in remote areas, Chet became a trusted and valued member of the local news team. His experience and professionalism ensured that the news was not only delivered accurately, but also with compassion and care.
In addition to his work in the news industry and his service to his community, Chet was also known for his musical talent. He was a member of The Cavaliers, a popular local polka band that became a fixture in the Dunkirk area and beyond. For decades, Chet and his bandmates brought the lively sounds of polka music to local venues, festivals, and events, creating joyous moments for countless people.
The Cavaliers’ performances became synonymous with celebration, and Chet’s enthusiasm and love for polka music were infectious. Whether performing for local festivals or private events, Chet was known for his energy, his humor, and his deep love for music. His contributions to the local music scene helped shape the cultural fabric of Dunkirk and the surrounding areas, and his band provided an outlet for many to come together and enjoy the rich traditions of polka music.
For many in Dunkirk, The Cavaliers were more than just a band – they were a source of pride and a reminder of the community’s rich cultural heritage. Chet’s involvement in the band showcased his versatility and his commitment to bringing people together, whether through news, government service, or music.
In the wake of Chet’s passing, tributes from friends, colleagues, and community members have poured in. David Rowley, a fellow journalist who worked with Chet in the 1980s and 1990s, shared his heartfelt condolences, saying, “Chet was an essential part of local news coverage. His work for WDOE 1410 AM and 101.5 FM, along with his role as a stringer for Channel 7 and the Post Journal, made a significant impact on the way news was covered in this area. I had the privilege of working alongside him on many stories, and he was always a dedicated, hardworking professional. He will be missed.”
Others have reflected on Chet’s community spirit, noting how much he meant to Dunkirk and the surrounding areas. One local resident shared, “Chet was someone you could always count on. Whether it was a community event, a local news story, or just someone who needed help, Chet was there. His passing leaves a hole in our town that will be hard to fill.”
As the Dunkirk community and Western New York at large mourn the loss of Chet Kozlowski, we remember a man who dedicated his life to his craft, his family, and his community. From his work in local newsrooms to his service on the Common Council, from his contributions to polka music to his involvement in charitable causes, Chet’s life was one of service, passion, and connection.
Chet Kozlowski will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His work and legacy will live on in the stories he covered, the songs he played, and the countless lives he touched. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in knowing that his impact on the Dunkirk community and beyond will never be forgotten.
Chet Kozlowski, a devoted father, husband, musician, public servant, and photojournalist, leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched over the years. The Dunkirk community has lost a true legend, but Chet’s spirit will remain a part of its fabric for generations to come.
