John F. Giarratano

***SERVICES HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 18 2025**** 

John Frederick Giarratano of Cheektowaga, NY, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on the morning of October 29, 2024, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lillian (Glosser) Giarratano, older brother Carl S. Giarratano, and beloved pet pooches Ike and Bella.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca (Jeff) Ward, Nicol (Andy) Michalski, Tobias (Melissa) Giarratano, and Amanda Giarratano, all who he cherished; his grandchildren Kassandra, Emmett, Olivia, Isabelle, and Charlotte, all who he adored; many beloved nieces and nephews, and great-grandson Dominic who didn’t quite make it to meet Great Grandpa but will most definitely see him on the in and out road to Heaven.

John proudly served in the United States Navy before beginning a career in the hospitality industry with stints in bartending, DJing, and restaurant management before his final position in concessions management at Highmark Stadium. He was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Sabres.

A prolific cook and baker, John was known for his delicious Christmas cookies and wonderful spaghetti, which he tended to cook in amounts large enough to feed a small army. He kept his home filled with music, giving his children an early education in the classics and a healthy appreciation for Billie Holiday, Diana Ross, Cher, Lou Monte, and Pepino the Italian Mouse. John was also a talented thespian, both acting and directing with several theater groups over the years, including a starring role in Harvey with the Towne Players of Ken-Ton. He was proud of his Sicilian heritage and spent many hours researching his family genealogy.

John was a vibrant soul who touched many lives. His passing leaves our hearts not broken, but full to the brim with happy memories and funny stories to share. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate in John’s memory to his favored organization, AmVets, or to Kevin House of Hospitality.

In closing, we will leave with John’s favorite piece of advice: leave the gun, take the cannoli. Capisce?