02/04/2026
Arnold Samuel Kacalski (b. 11/20/1956) passed away peacefully, surrounded by those he loved most, on Wednesday, 1/28/2026. He was 69 years old. He was taken too soon by glioblastoma brain cancer, a relentless and incurable disease with no definitive known cause that does not stop until it wins.
On 2/25/2025, Arnold fell, was rushed to the emergency room, and received the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma. The following day, 2/26/2025, he and his family made the difficult decision to pursue a risky, life-extending brain surgery to keep him with us a little longer; without it, his prognosis was maybe two weeks. After more than 10 hours of surgery on 2/27/2025, Arnold came through and began his recovery. He fought bravely for eleven months and one day, until the cancer finished its task in the early morning hours of 1/28/2026.
Arnold was born in Buffalo, New York, and lived nearly his entire life there, except for a stint in Binghamton, New York, when he moved to be closer to his grandchildren. He married (and is survived by) the love of his life, Debra L. (née Hanson) Kacalski, on 9/6/1975. This past September, they celebrated 50 years of marriage (though they first started dating on April Fools’ Day in seventh grade).
Shortly after their wedding, Arnold proudly served in the U.S. Navy, traveling the world aboard the USS Trippe alongside his dear best friend from Bay City, Michigan, Richard “Possum” LeRoux. During that time, Debra lived near base in North Charleston, South Carolina by her dear best friend, Rick's wife, Cynthia (née Krol) LeRoux. Arnold loved his “mitten-state” family so much that Rick and Cindy eventually became his daughter’s godparents and remained forever close to his heart, no matter the time and miles between them.
After his military service, Arnold returned to Buffalo to start his family. He is survived by his children, daughter Tara L. (née Kacalski) Kaye and son Alan S. Kacalski, who remained Arnold's pride and joy throughout his life, as did their partners, Bradley Kaye and Maria Borkowski, who Arnold loved like his own for 20+ years. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Ava Sage Kaye and Anthony Samuel Kaye, who were truly the apples of their Papa's eye. There was nothing Arnold would not do for Ava or Anthony, (including tattooing each of their names on his body), and he dutifully doted on them from the moments they arrived. He is also survived by his cherished little dog, Oliver, and three spoiled grand-cats: Tigger, Posy, and Dharma.
Arnold was one of five siblings, the second youngest. He now joins his sister Arlene Gajewski (née Kacalski) and his brothers Arthur Kacalski and Alfred “Big Al” Kacalski. He is survived by his beloved youngest sister, April Smith (née Kacalski), and brother-in-law Tommy Sikes, along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Arnold also reunites with his parents, Alfred and Alys (née White) Kacalski; his in-laws, Kenneth and Regina (née Malachowski) Hanson; and many other departed family members, friends, and pets.
Above all else, Arnold cherished the people and pets in his life. But he also loved music, scary movies, sci-fi shows, gameshows, reading (especially the newspaper), fishing, tinkering, fixing and building things, caring for his flowers and vegetable garden, and spending time outdoors. He had a special fondness for animals, especially turtles and birds, with hummingbirds a favorite. Some of Arnold's favorite flavors were those of instant coffee, black licorice, Jordan almonds, cheeseburgers with extra onions, burnt hotdogs and well-done steaks, potato chips and Bison dip, and kielbasa with horseradish. He also liked classic cars, playing the slots and bingo, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Binghamton B-Mets (now Rumble Ponies), and the Maryvale Flyers (his grandchildren’s sports and music endeavors). He was proudly Polish, celebrating many a Dyngus Day at the parade, many an Easter at the Polish Villa, and having a huge Polish Falcon tattooed on his back by his nephew, Joel Menter.
Most of all pastimes, Arnold especially enjoyed time in the countryside. For the last five summers, Arnold and Debbie fulfilled a lifelong dream of spending their retirement years at their camp property, which became their favorite place on earth. There, (in Yates, New York, right on beautiful Lake Ontario), they made many dear friends, especially John and Marcia Heveron, and all of their special camp neighbors on Scharping Lane, (including Rico and Max, Arnold's fetch buddies). With all these wonderful people and pets, Arnold and Debbie made countless memories. It can't go without mentioning that Arnold loved to cut the grass at camp; although not technically a sport, Arnold was undoubtedly the unofficial World Champion of Lawn Mowing.
Arnold was always blasting music on Alexa and his garage stereo at all hours, and liked attending live music events. Some of his favorite concerts included Joe Strummer with Alan, Roger Waters with Brad (with Ava performing on stage), Billy Idol with Tara, and Billy Idol again with Debbie. He loved all genres and all kinds of tunes. In honor of his constant connection with music, we'd like to share a playlist of many of Arnold's favorite songs, along with some selections chosen by his family that remind us of him: https://tinyurl.com/mryuhsd2
Arnold truly embodied the spirit of “The City of Good Neighbors.” He was the first to help shovel, mow, carry heavy items, fix something, or simply have a nice conversation in the driveway. He took pride in knowing and caring for his neighbors, whether it was on Pooley Place in Buffalo, Route 26 in Binghamton, or Garden Road in Cheektowaga. We would especially like to thank our neighbors Paul and Jeff, whose kindness during Dad’s final months meant the world to our family. They helped with yardwork, snow removal, home repairs, and showed genuine warmth and friendship to Arnold when he was still able to be outside, have a smoke, and chat.
Arnold entered the care of Hospice Buffalo two days before his final birthday. On his second day under their care, they called to ask when they could deliver a birthday cake and gift. That same level of thoughtful, compassionate care continued throughout his final two months. Our deepest thanks go to his Hospice care team that included Hannah, Cassie, Steve, Tina, Beth, Alexis, Marie, Sage, and many other devoted nurses, aides, and team members, who treated Arnold with dignity, love, and kindness, as if he were family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Arnold's memory to Hospice Buffalo (https://www.hospicebuffalo.com/give-get-involved/donate-now).
The family also extends immense gratitude to Dr. Berger, Dr. Asad, Dr. Prasad, and their exceptional teams at Buffalo General Hospital and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center for extending Arnold’s life with meaningful quality for nearly another year. During that time, Arnold witnessed his granddaughter Ava graduate from high school and be accepted to her dream school, Bucknell University, which he proudly visited with her. He watched his grandson Anthony be selected for and perform in the Maryvale elite swing choir, saw him recognized as “Most Improved” on his volleyball team, and was there to see him get his first job. Arnold also traveled with Debra, Alan, and Maria to revisit special places in Binghamton, celebrated another Father’s Day at the casino with Alan and Tara, enjoyed one more birthday with his family, marked one more wedding anniversary with Debbie (their 50th), had one more Easter at the Polish Villa, one more Christmas around the fireplace, and spent another beautiful summer at their beloved camp by the lake, giving us the vivid memory of him enthusiastically blowing up fireworks on the 4th one last time.
Most importantly, Arnold was given more time; time to be with his wife, kids, grandkids, sister, friends, and pets. Alan visited his dad every day, often with Maria, and his sister April came regularly to spend time with her bro and give him a hard time in the most loving way. Arnold and Debra shared an extended family home with Tara, Brad, Ava, Anthony, and their pets, with one more year together the most precious gift of all. This included Arnold's final walks, face-licks, and snuggles with his dog Oliver, who stayed at his side until the end.
Arnold wished for his immediate arrangements to be simple and only with his closest family. No prior visitation. Condolence cards may be mailed to Debra Kacalski (34 Garden Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14225) or emailed to Tara (tara.kaye@yahoo.com). Please keep Arnold and his family in your hearts during this devastating time. Arrangements by: CASTIGLIA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 873 Abbott Rd., South Buffalo, NY, 824-6435. Please share your condolences at: www.castigliafuneralhome.com
But Arnold also loved to party hard with the people he loved! All are welcome to join us for his Celebration of Life Gathering on Saturday, 3/8/2026, from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. In true Arnold-style, this will be a bowling and pizza party! It will be held at Mallwitz's Island Lanes, 1887 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. In addition, a party at the land in Yates will be planned for over the summer to celebrate Arnold with all his camp friends, with more details to come.
"The human brain is so finite - no more than a sponge of tissue inside a cage of bone - but the mind within the brain is infinite. Its storage capacity is colossal, its imaginative reach beyond our ability to comprehend. I think when a man or woman dies, a whole world falls to ruin - the world that person knew and believed in. Think of that, kiddo - billions of people on earth, and each one of those billions with a world inside. The earth their minds have conceived. (...) I am wonderful, I deserve to be wonderful, and I contain multitudes." (From "The Life of Chuck" by Stephen King)
We are profoundly thankful to have been a part of your multitudes. We love you, Arn. Dad. Papa. Bro. Friend. Forever. Be in peace and keep busy, Arnold; we know you will. You were, without a doubt, ... "The richest man in town." (From "It's a Wonderful Life")
View Arnold S. Kacalski's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.
