Frank Peter Oyach, Jr.

Frank Peter Oyach, Jr. died at home on Sunday, September 20, 2020 in Powhatan, VA. He lived a joyful and active life despite his diagnosis in 2018 of adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Frank is survived by Sally Sanderson, the 26-year love of his life, who he endearingly called “Bushi-Bushi Blonde Hair-Do”. He is also survived by his sons, Michael (Susan) of North Carolina and John of Dunkirk, grandsons Cameron, Donovan, and Gabriel, and his sister, Nancy (Nick) Phelps. He is further survived by stepdaughters, Jody (Keith), Heidi (Kevin), and Darcy (Don), and his grandchildren who knew him as Dzia-Dzie, Noah, Aniella, Anderson, Parker, Grady, Whitney, and Courtney, all of Virginia. Frank served in the Army as a postmaster, and was an expert control operator during his long tenure at Niagara Mohawk. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed boating on Lake Erie. In his younger days, Frank was a star fast-pitch softball player. He also enjoyed cooking and using his outdoor smoker; he made the best smoked fish in town after Helwig’s closed. Frank always had a hefty appetite, and especially loved church on Sunday, followed by special Sunday dinners with polkas playing in the background. He loved listening and dancing to Billy Vaughn, Li’l Wally, and the Strauss Waltz. His latest favorite was singing the lyrics to “Some Enchanted Evening” around the house which tickled his grandkids. Frank enjoyed the Polish tradition of making his own sausage and sauerkraut, and joined Sally in her assembly line of the pierogi-making process every Easter and Christmas. He also spent time gardening, wood-working, carving and painting his creations, and on various carpentry projects. With his sharp memory of various facts and trivia, Frank was skillful at crossword puzzles and eagerly shouted out the correct answers before the contestants did on his favorite game shows. He also loved to watch Little House on the Prairie and faithfully cheered for his Cleveland “Brownies” and Indians. Frank enjoyed the cottage life on Lake Erie, and the wonderful friendships with cottage neighbors. He also cherished his Fourth Ward Falcon Club buddies, where he played slots and liked to talk politics and share his latest jokes. His loved ones have so many amazing memories that will live on forever. He will be greatly missed. The family will greet friends and loved ones for calling hours at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home (736 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY) on Sunday, September 27 from 4-7pm, and at the funeral mass at 10am on Monday, September 28 at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church (324 Townsend St Dunkirk, NY).