Hello,
 
  Yesterday Sept 8th, was a very long emotionally draining day, one we’ll never forget. Gerald M. Darlak, “Jerry” passed away peacefully after a 6 month battle with Cancer. Only two weeks prior was he given good news on his throat tumor, only to have the worst news that he was terminally ill with another tumor,
   Jerry had visits with his family, his band, and many friends, calls emails and cards from many.
We had the opportunity to spend much time with JD to spell Joyce, his beloved friend who was by his side night and day through it all. Getting to visit with his immediate family from Chicago was special, when it was over, even though the medical people thought he may be around weeks more….. Jerry must have took an accounting of it all and probably said ok “finished business” “all was said”  It was time to go and so he did………..in his sleep.
 
   As per “Jerry's Wishes” There will be no wake or viewing, no Funeral…. Jerry had made arrangements to donate his body to the University of Buffalo Medical Science ’s
 
Numerous radio DJ and IJ tributes are being planned in his honor playing music Jerry Darlak (IPA Hall Of Fame Inductee) performed with Marion Lush 66-72 in the early years, EBV 73-87 Big Steve 90-94, and Finally the last fifteen years with “Jerry Darlak” and “The Buffalo Touch” 3 Time Grammy Nominees and many other awards from his home Buffalo NY  It would be much appreciated if these show are recorded to send a CD to 3014 Bender Ct.  I can copy and get it to the family.
 
Plans are in the works for Celebration of Jerry’s Life and Contributions to the Polka Industry and the people he “Touched”
 
On behalf of Jerry Darlak’s Family from Chicago, his beloved friend Joyce, and The Buffalo Touch We sincerely thank-you all for the coments, well wishes, stories, photos, movies, etc. and mostly the prayers of which we ask you continue for Jerry and all those who have left us…
God Bless Jerry Darlak and All of Us in this time of reflection.. As Jerry said "It's been a slice"
 
We have kept the BuffaloTouch together and working and kept Jerry in the loop for his return, he even called me several weeks ago with ideas for the new CD, Jerry's seat will always be with us and Del Rio's "play that concertina Paco" will have a special ring to it........ I can feel him smiling now....(EEeeeeeeeeeeee) those who know him, know what I mean.....
 
Cards, Emails, Masses, Donations in his honor to Hospice are welcome. No Flowers or Plants please...
 
Ken Machelski
3014 Bender Ct
Hamburg NY 14075
716-648-3888
kmachelski@aol.com
 
Chicago Darlak Family
Randy and Filomena Darlak (Brother),  Dave and Lynn (Darlak) Cox, (Sister) Ida and Bob Schneider, (Mother and Step-Father)
Late, Sue Zmuda (Sister) Adrienne Guerraro, Lawrence and Alyssa Darlak (Nieces and Nephew)
C/O
Lynne Cox
1631 Fisher St.
Munster, Indianna 46321
 
Jerry's Beloved Friend
Joyce McIntyre
62 Lake Ave
Lancaster NY 14086

  Gerald M Darlak    9-22-46,---9-08-10
"Jerry Darlak"