Richard "Rich" Joseph Szlis was born on January 12, 1942, to the late Helen (nee Monica) and Paul Szlis in Buffalo, New York. He served in the US Army from 1961-1963.  He was a dockman at Interstate Motor Systems for over 10 years till it closed.  Rich and his wife Marsha owned and operated Smokey's Tavern, at the corner of South Division and Lord Street, in Buffalo, New York, for 51 years. In his spare time, Rich enjoyed bowling and visiting with his many friends at the local Casinos.

He was the beloved husband of 57 years to Marsha (nee Wisniewski) Szlis.

A devoted father of Michael (Bobbi Pickering Koepnick) and Tracy (Kevin Domblewski) Szlis and t he loving grandfather of Nicholas and Brianna.

"Rich" was the dearest brother of the late Anthony (Gail) Szlis, the late Thomas (Kathy) Szlis, and the late Paul (late Nadine) Szlis, Sr., and a f ond brother-in-law of Robert (late Joanne) Wisniewski, Susan Wisniewski and late Joseph (Kathy) Wisniewski Jr, late Norbert Wisniewski, late Jerome (Maureen) Wisniewski, and the late Kathleen (Joseph) Gnozzo. He was also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

The family will gather on Saturday, September 7th, 2024, from 1-3 PM at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, 2400 William Street (near Harlem) where a funeral service will follow at 3 PM conducted by Rev. Robert Wardenski.

A private Inurnment will take place at the Western New York National Cemetery, in Corfu, New York at a later date.

The family appreciates your prayers and concerns and would like to thank you for your support.

Please take a minute to share a picture in our online Photo Album or a favorite memory in our Guest Book here on Rich's Tribute page.