Father Richard M. Poblocki 1957-2025
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Father Richard Poblocki, who had served the Cheektowaga area as associate pastor, pastor and school administrator, died June 29, 2025. He was 67.
Born Sept. 29, 1957, in Buffalo to Richard I. and Helen (Boczar) Poblocki, Father Poblocki attended St. John the Baptist School in Alden for four years before entering Millgrove Elementary. He went on to attend Alden Middle School and Alden Central High School.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Wadham’s Hall Seminary in Ogdensburg, and a master’s in Divinity from Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora.
He was ordained Sept. 29, 1983, at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Cheektowaga by Bishop Edward D. Head.
His relatively short ministry saw him assigned to St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Cheektowaga as associate pastor, associate of Resurrection Parish in Cheektowaga, and parochial vicar at Queen of Heaven Parish in West Seneca.
In 1993, he began serving as pastor of Sacred Heart in Portville and St. Mary in Bolivar. In 1997, he was named pastor of St. Hyacinth Parish in Dunkirk. From July 1998-2005, Father Poblocki served as administrator of Queen of Peace Parish in Buffalo.
In July 2005, he became pastor of both Queen of Peace and Holy Name of Jesus parishes in Buffalo. At the same time, he was named canonical administrator of Kolbe Catholic Regional School in Cheektowaga. In 2009, He was named pastor of St. Josaphat Parish in Cheektowaga.
He retired in 2022
In a 2005, he wrote about his ministry:
“My only desire is to possess God and be possessed by Him, and him alone. I wanted to be the best and holiest priest possible, living and thinking in complete accord with the Catholic Church. It matters not to me that I pleased Church officials or public opinion. If our Lord is pleased and I have lived up to my beloved faith; it is enough.”
Visitation will take place Tuesday, July 1, 3-7 p.m. at St. Josaphat Church in Buffalo. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 2, 10 a.m., at St. Josaphat Church. Burial will take place at St. Adalbert’s Cemetery in Lancaster.
