Father Edward R. Czarnecki, who served several parishes across Erie County, died March 17, 2019. He was 78 years old.

Born Aug. 14, 1940, in Buffalo to Edward and Clara Czarnecki, he attended St. Luke Elementary School before entering the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary for high school. He later attended Christ the King Seminary at St. Bonaventure and St. John Vianney Seminary in East Aurora, where he earned a bachelor's degree.

Father Czarnecki was ordained May 21, 1966, at St. Joseph New Cathedral, Buffalo, by Bishop Stanislaus J. Brzana.

During his nearly 50 years of active ministry, Father Czarnecki served at St. Joseph Mission in Bliss, then as assistant at Transfiguration Parish, Buffalo; Our Lady of Czestochowa, Cheektowaga; and St. Hyacinth, Dunkirk. In 1975, he was named associate pastor of SS. Peter & Paul, Depew, followed by Fourteen Holy Helpers, Gardenville, and Our Mother of Good Counsel, Blasdell, where he served in the same role. On November 1, 2014, he retired.

He was a member of the Knights of St. John and the Knights of Columbus.

Father Czarnecki is survived by a sister, Anne Haak.