Thomas John Etopio, Sr.

Thomas John Etopio, Sr., 95, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed into eternal life unexpectedly on June 4, 2020.  Born on March 5, 1925 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Angelo and Josephine (Tedesco) Etopio.  On July 30, 1949, Thomas married Gloria Accordino in Holy Angels Church in Buffalo, NY.  Sadly, she predeceased him on September 30, 2006.

Thomas was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY and attended local schools. He proudly served in the United States Navy, during World War II, as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class, from September 20, 1944 until his honorable discharge on April 18, 1946.  Thomas was the owner and operator of Century Upholstering on 18th Street in Niagara Falls.  He found joy, after work, in teaching others the trade as well as instructing golf.  Thomas was a member and communicant of the former Sacred Heart Church and currently of St. Raphael Parish.  He was also a member of the American Legion Fredrick F. Cadille Post #1664.  Thomas enjoyed golf, collecting golf balls, sharing his 95 year journey through life, American history, war related history, his Italian family genealogy, upholstery, refurbishing furniture and above all, spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include five children; Michele (Dave) Martin, Jean (Rick) Sweney, Sr., Judy (Dave) Smith, Linda (Bob) Redfern and Thomas J. Etopio, Jr.(N.F.F.D. Ret.); ten grandchildren; Lenore (Chris) Uhrich, Renee (Frank) Wolf, Rick (Amanda) Sweney, Jr., Cindy (Steve) McGinnis, Lisa (Chris) Tuttle, Laura (Michael R.) Goodlander, Dr. Aubrey Etopio, PhD., Lindsey (Jon) Church and Gianni and Vincent Etopio; twelve great grandchildren; one sister, Betty (late Anthony) Mariano and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by siblings, Christopher (late Teresa) Etiopio, Dominic (late Marie) Etopio, Janet (late Carl) Gemmati and Joseph (surviving, Aurora) Etopio.

Due to the current pandemic regulations, visitation, prayers, a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Parish (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church) and entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, concluding with Military Honors will be held privately with his loving family. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Michael R. Goodlander, OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME. To share condolences and view his tribute video visit, GOODLANDERCARES.com

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