Joseph G. Antkowiak MD

Antkowiak, Joseph G., MD; of Orchard Park, NY, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at the age of 91. Beloved son of the late Joseph A. and Emily (Zablonski) Antkowiak. Dear brother of Monica F. (late Joseph) Arcara, Thomas, PhD (Patricia) and John, MD (Linda) Antkowiak; loving uncle of Mary Ann (Alan) Miano, David (Catherine) Arcara, Susan (Michael) Adymy, Kathleen (Peter) Kern, Mary Fran, DDS, Michael (Dalvane), Mark, Gregory, MD, Lara (Carlos) Cabrera, and Matthew, DVM.
As a son of a railroad worker, Joseph lived a very modern Catholic life. From early on he was taught the importance of living a faithful and educated life. He attended St. Casimir’s Catholic school then went onto graduate from Canisius high school in 1952. Joseph continued his higher education at Canisius college, graduating with honors and then made the decision to enter medical school. In 1963, he received his medical degree from the University of Buffalo. The following year he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves as an officer in the medical corps. He was stationed on a ship that was part of the naval blockade during the Cuban missile crisis.
Upon his return to the States in 1963, Dr. Antkowiak began his general surgery residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Washington, DC, where he was appointed senior resident and eventually chief resident. During the years 1968 to 1971, he went on to complete his fellowship in pediatric surgery at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, and another residency in thoracic surgery at Shadyside Hospital and West Pennsylvania Hospital. He continued his medical career in Pittsburgh, PA with Thoracovascular Associates, and was an active staff member at West Pennsylvania Hospital, Shadyside Hospital, Braddock General Hospital, South Hills Health System and Montefiore Hospital. Dr. Antkowiak was also on the consulting staff at Central Medical Pavilion and Forbes Hospital system.
In 1981 he made the decision to return to Western New York and soon after, joined the medical team of the Thoracic Surgery and Oncology Department at Roswell Park Memorial Institute. It was here that he was appointed as a cancer research clinician and instructor of surgery. Dr. Antkowiak served as a member of the board of directors of the American Cancer Society Erie County unit and in 1990, was appointed to UB Medical Schools Admissions Committee. Throughout his career, he had numerous articles and abstracts published in various medical publications. He would often be asked to present at our RPCI and at national and international medical conferences and he was honored to do this until the age of 86.
He was an avid tennis player before becoming a competitive runner at the age of 55, at which time he began training for his first marathon. He was a longtime member of the Ridge runners club. Eventually, he qualified to run in the New York City marathon and Boston marathon, which he did multiple times. Buffalo news runner of the year was a title he often won within his age group. When he was not working or running, he loved spending many summers at the Chautauqua Institution, attending lectures, concerts, walking, reading, and learning.
For the past 14 years Dr. Antkowiak “Doc“ was a beloved resident of Fox Run in Orchard Park. His mild mannered, kind heart and friendly smile made him a favorite with all who knew him, and most did. He often mentioned how he truly enjoyed his life there.
The family will be present Wednesday, August 27th from 6 to 8 PM at the F E Brown Sons Funeral Home, 6575 E. Quaker Street, Orchard Park, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, August 28th at 11 AM in Nativity of Our Lord Church, 26 Thorn Avenue, Orchard Park, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's memory may be made to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, www.roswellpark.org/giving. Share condolences online at www.febrownsons. com