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A native of Niagara Falls, he graduated from Niagara High School. He was the son of Italian immigrant parents. He earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Buffalo in 1953. He also did graduate studies towards a masters degree in electrical engineering at the university of Buffalo.
After working at Bell Aerospace Corp. in 1953 on the RASCAL air-to-ground missile program, Ed joined Sylvania Electronic Systems Corp. in buffalo in 1954 where he was employed as a design and project engineer for over 19 years. At Sylvania, he performed circuitry design and development of numerous military electronic equipments and systems. These included the high speed communications system for the Polaris ballistic missile submarines; the radio launch command system for the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles; countermeasures electronics used on the B-58 Hustler, our countries first supersonic bomber; the data multiplexer set for a U. S. Airforce countermeasures system deployed at various overseas sites; and a Navy high security spread spectrum communications system. During the 1960’s Ed performed circuitry design for Army portable Manpack radios; the Cayuse light observation helicopter radios; and electronic anti-personnel mines, all used during the Vietnam War.
After Sylvania Electronic Systems closed their operations in Buffalo, he joined Sierra Research Corp. in 1972 where he worked until 1991. At Sierra Research, Ed performed designs for equipment used in the Grumman E2-C Hawkeye AWACS (airborne early warning and control) system deployed on all U.S. aircraft carriers, and the datalink for the LAMPS MARK III anti-submarine warfare system, currently the Navy’s first line of defense against submarine attack and installed on over 100 ships and 250 helicopters. He also authored several articles published in technical journals. Ed was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving as a radar technician. He also served in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean war as an aircraft mechanic.
As an amateur athlete, Ed played on many area baseball and hockey teams. These included baseball teams in the Western New York league and Niagara Falls Double-Eye league; hockey teams in Canadian leagues, the Buffalo Municipal and Frontier leagues, and for the University of Buffalo. Ed also coached little league baseball and minor hockey league teams for a number of years. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Elizabeth Grotz McDonnell - passed away after a brief illness January 8, 2026, of Grand Island. Mother of Laura (Peter) Hosken, Gregory (Krystina) McDonnell and Christopher McDonnell. Grandmother of Cecelia Hosken, Evelyn and Quinn McDonnell. Sister of Randall Grotz, Tim (Kate) Grotz and the late Donna McQuade and Richard Grotz. Funeral service private. Share condolences at kaiserfuneral.com.
Helga (Kretschmer) Tyson - Jan 2, 2026. Of Grand Island, NY. Beloved wife of the late Roger N. Tyson; companion of Phil Marton; dear mother of Tammy (Fred) Ruocco, Mark (Maureen) Tyson, and the late Paul Tyson; loving grandmother of Daniel, Meaghan, Peter, Cameron and Christopher; great-grandmother of Rory and Charlie; sister of Christina (Thomas) Brett. Services will be private. Please share online condolences at www.lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com.
Peter Figliotti - Peter Figliotti (1932 - 2026), beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at the age of 93. He was the son of the late Pasquale and Vittoria Figliotti.
Born in Placanica, Italy, Peter migrated to America in 1949, settling in Buffalo, NY. Shortly after his arrival, he began his career in the food service industry at the Statler Hilton Hotel as a busboy. Through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he quickly rose to prominence with his innovative approaches to customer service while improving profitability. He was a highly respected member of the Hilton chain and was often asked to share his concepts with other hotels. He was maître d and food service manager until 1977 when he purchased the Saratoga Restaurant in North Buffalo. The Saratoga Restaurant was one of the featured food establishments in the first Taste of Buffalo in 1984 on Main Street. He also owned and operated Peter's Restaurant across from City Hall and Adrian's Custard and Beef in Grand Island.
Throughout his career, he was widely respected for his honesty, integrity, and focus on customer service. He was an active member of the New York State Restaurant Association and proudly served as President of the Western NY Chapter during the 1980s. When asked about his education, Peter would proudly declare he went to the "School of Hard Knocks." With only a fifth-grade education from Italy, and additional education after arriving in America, he proved that perseverance, common sense and hard work were the true tools for success.
Peter was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Adrian (Serafini) for nearly 68 years. He showered her with love and admiration, calling her his angel, his model, and the best thing that ever happened to him. His parting words to Adrian were, "You're my gem." He was a loving father to Vivian (Thomas Maulucci), Perry (Irene Stevens), Marla (Joseph) Coniglio and Karen (Anthony) Mazurkiewicz; a proud grandfather to the late Tiffany Hayes, Kathryn Zilberman, Karen Linz, Ryan Killian, Julia Riley, Brittany Keller, Brianne White, and Alex Killian; and a cherished great-grandfather to Eleanor, Ava, Quinn, Vivian, Emory, Sullivan, Monica, William, Somer, James, and Leni.
Peter was generous to family and friends alike - sharing his time and talents, always willing to offer a ride, a chat, help with a project, or a big smile to those around him. He liked to travel, boat, fish and golf. He found great joy in being surrounded by those he loved. Peter Figliotti will be deeply missed by all that knew him for his love, warmth, wisdom, and unforgettable smile. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the summer.
Robert S. Black - January 2, 2026 of Grand Island, beloved husband of Sally A. Black (deceased), dear father of Dennis R. (Leilani) Black, John S. (Lisa) Black, Hamilton P (Jennifer) Black, and Susan J. (Thomas) Utz. Also survived by four brothers, two sisters (two others predeceased), numerous nieces and nephews, ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Proudly born in South Buffalo in 1933 to Mr. and Mrs. R. Spencer Black. Bob received a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from Syracuse University after Korean War military service. Over many years, his business and industry experiences took him around the country and around the world (multiple times), always in colorful ties, pocket squares, and socks. Away from work, always with a quick wit, he enjoyed family, travels with Sally during their 62 year marriage, drawing and water color painting, music, dining out, and Buffalo architecture. Important leisure pursuits included reading, martinis, cigars, and the Buffalo Launch Club.
Friends and family may call Thursday 4-7 P.M. Kaiser Funeral Home, 1990 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, 2587 Baseline Road, Grand Island. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Golden Age Club, Inc., 3278 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072. Share condolences at Kaiserfuneral.com.
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