He was considered one of the architects to revitalizing the infrastructure of western New York.
Former United States Democrat Representative Henry Nowak has died at 89-years-old.
Erie County Chairman Jeremy Zellner announced the death of Nowak in a post on X (formally Twitter) on Sunday.
On a day of great change for Democrats, the WNY Community mourns the passing of one of the greatest elected officials we have ever had in Congressman Henry Nowak, father of NYS Supreme Court Justice Henry Nowak Appellate Division, 4th Department.
— Chair Jeremy Zellner (@ZellnerforECDC) July 22, 2024
Nowak, who is recognized for having brought almost $1 billion in federal infrastructure aid to Buffalo during the region’s decline from the loss of industry—including the closure of Bethlehem Steel in 1983—was a strong proponent of the development of the waterfront while serving in Congress.
“I sought to match local needs with federal opportunities to help ameliorate these impacts and sustain our quality of life in Western New York,” Nowak said upon announcing his retirement from Congress. “This has been the most gratifying part of my representation.”
Nowak represented western New York from 1975 to 1992, is also the father of state Supreme Court Justice Henry Nowak Jr. Nowak also served as district attorney and Erie County comptroller after graduating from University at Buffalo Law School.
Nowak was also a star player for Canisius College’s basketball team in the 1950s.
Nicknamed “Hammerin’ Hank” for his aggressive play on the court, Nowak led Canisius to three consecutive NCAA tournaments from 1955-57. The Buffalonian scored 1,449 career points, ranking eighth in school history, and remains the program’s all-time leader with 880 rebounds. Named to the NCAA’s Silver Anniversary Team in 1982 and inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, Nowak was selected to Canisius’ 100-Year Team and All-Sequential Team in 2019.