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Town Justice Kmiotek dies, remembered as tough, fair
By John J. Hopkins
 | | Town Justice Ronald E. Kmiotek |
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Times
Town Justice Ronald E. Kmiotek, who passed away on July 27 at the age of 67, is being remembered as a tough judge, but a fair man who listened with compassion to those brought before him.
Hundreds of mourners attended Kmiotek's funeral Monday in St. Andrew's Church in Sloan, where parts of Crocker and Reiman streets were closed during the service.
Visiting hours July 29-30 at Amigone Funeral Home on Transit Road in Depew drew even more persons wishing to pay their final respects to Kmiotek.
The judge, who was first elected to the bench in 1993, has been described as a man of honor who displayed a stern demeanor, but was also compassionate.
"Judge Kmiotek has always distinguished himself as a no-nonsense judge who was always tough on crime and looked out for the welfare of the town and the safety of its citizens," said Supervisor Dennis H. Gabryszak. "His passing leaves a huge void to be filled. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family."
A former Cheektowaga police officer, Kmiotek retired from the force as a detective and later worked for the Erie County District Attorney's office. He spent his entire professional life in law enforcement.
After squeezing out a close primary win in 1997, he enjoyed broad support in Cheektowaga, even earning the endorsement of the Republican party in 1997 and 2001.
Russell Carveth, former chairman of the Town GOP, said that Kmiotek, along with Town Justice Thomas S. Kolbert helped preserve the quality of life in Cheektowaga.
"He treated everybody fairly, but made the bad guys take their business to other towns," Carveth said. "Ron will be missed terribly and I think he'll be impossible to replace."
Town officials said that Kmiotek's dedication to his town and his duty as a judge were on display up until his final week of life as he continued his battle with cancer.
"You had to admire him because despite his illness he got himself up and came to work every day, battling his illness," Gabryszak said. "He was an inspiration for all of us."
Carveth agreed, noting Kmiotek went to work daily until about three days before his death, even taking work home with him.
"He felt so strongly about that job that he did it right to the bitter end," Carveth observed.
To some, Kmiotek's dedication to his job was evident in the drug court which he established in 1997. Kmiotek volunteered his time for the 24week court, and was proud of its low recidivism rate. Kolbert called Kmiotek an honorable man who kept his promises.
"His devotion and dedication to the town he loved gave him the strength he needed to come into work every day with such pain up until the week before he passed away," Kolbert added.
Town Prosecutor James M. Vallone said that there was a soft side to Kmiotek that many court observers never saw. Vallone said Kmiotek was a good listener and a man of resolve. "I sat through numerous proceed
ings as he patiently listened and compassionately resolved matters for hundreds of individuals who could not speak for themselves, but needed his guidance and protection," said Vallone.
Many who knew Kmiotek offered similar viewpoints, noting that he would often give a person (except the most serious offenders) the benefit of the doubt the first time he or she appeared before him.
Noting Kmiotek's years of service to the community, Gabryszak called his death a "big loss." Gabryszak pointed to Kmiotek's
work with the General Pulaski Association and the Cheektowaga Patriotic Commission as examples away from law enforcement of his dedication to Cheektowaga.
"He took an active interest in the community," Gabryszak said. "His passing creates a big void."
Kolbert said Kmiotek, who was affectionately called "Judge Ron" by those who knew him was "a dedicated and wonderful friend."
"Judge Ron earned the respect from the community. We will all miss Judge Kmiotek," added Kolbert.
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