Middleport, NY - Richard T. "Grumpy" Kurek, age 81, of Middleport, NY passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025, and his spirit went to the maple tree in the backyard where all of his furry friends waited and together, they traveled to the pearly gates. Rick was born January 8, 1944, in Buffalo, NY. He was the son of the late Bruno and Virginia (Kuczkowski) Kurek.

Rick was a NYS trooper, retiring after 25 years of service. He then taught Criminal Justice at ECC retiring in 2011. He was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan and for the last 40 years played poker once a month with his close friends.

Surviving is his wife of 45 years, Lois (Knapp) Kurek; three children, Richard (Sandi) Kurek, Karyn (Wayne Lambert) Kurek and Steven (Valerie Peters) Seamans; grandchildren, Amanda Seamans, Alec and Madison Kurek, Seth Ratliff and Caleb Barksdale; sisters-in-law, Ruth (Adam) Ohol and Denise Knapp and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Jerome (Diane) Kurek and brother-in-law, William Knapp.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Ten Lives Club, Niagara Hospice, Inc. or to a charity of ones choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at Langefuneralhomeinc.com.