The St. Agnes School community was saddened to learn of the death of one of its alumni. Vince Pusateri (’60) passed away on March 29th. Although he was receiving treatment for cancer, his death was the result of some unexpected complications after a surgical procedure. This loss has left his family stunned and saddened beyond words, so please keep them in your prayers. I had the opportunity to speak with Vince’s daughter, Andria, about her father and asked her to share some memories of Vince. Although she is grieving the sudden and unexpected loss of her father, Andria was gracious enough to send me a wonderful email about her dad.
My dad passed away on March 29, 2011 and is survived by my mother, Rosalie, my brother, Aaron (Neely), myself, 3 grandchildren (Ava, Tessa, and Brody); and his brother, Leo (Ann) of East Amherst, NY. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. His father and mother, Leo Sr. and Josephine “Pep”, predeceased him.
My dad was employed as an Administrative Vice President for M&T Bank in the special assets division and was actively involved in the Avon community. He served on various boards and was a lifetime parishioner of St. Agnes Church.
I remember growing up my dad used to always be a part of Avon’s special events – especially when it was related to St. Agnes. When St. Agnes used to have their yearly festival, my dad would be busy all day either making fried dough or selling 50/50 raffle tickets. He was there from set up to clean up. He also helped with the Corn Festival for many years. I will never forget when he was the person IN the dunk tank. My Nannie (his mother) tried to throw the balls to knock him into the tank, but didn’t have very good aim. After she missed all 3 shots, she just ran up there and hit the target with her hands to make him fall in – man how we all laughed!
My dad loved to do all our family grocery shopping because, for him, it was a weekly 3 hour social event. Sure he did some shopping, but mostly he would stop and talk to every single person he knew along the way. My dad also enjoyed golfing in his spare time. I know he will be sadly missed at the Tuesday night golf league. He had so much fun with the guys – shared many laughs and good memories.
I asked my mother if she wanted me to say anything on her behalf and she wants everyone to know how my dad always made her feel so loved. My brother and I both knew this to be true because it was them that set the example for us. When we each met and married our spouses, my dad accepted them and took them in as his own. Family was everything to him. He has done nothing but love, support, and guide us our whole lives.
My dad LOVED his grandchildren and everybody around him knew it. My dad talked about them all the time – to anyone who would listen! He would share their recent developments and comical stories that made him laugh. Whenever my brother and I are out and about in the community, so many people ask us about our children by name! They really kept him on his toes and loved their Poppie so very much.
As sad and unexpected as this whole situation was - we have never been so proud of my dad. So many people showed up to pay their respects. We were able to hear many amazing stories about my dad. Every single person that came along said what a wonderful, respectful, honest, giving, caring man he was. It’s one thing to know that about your own dad – but awesome to hear so many others feel the same way. He touched many lives – more than we ever knew. He was a very dedicated family and community man and lived the life he had to the fullest. My brother lost a best friend, taken much too young, who imparted an important philosophy. He always told my brother that you have to give more than you get. We all believe my dad did just that – he always lived life giving more than he got.
For those of us who didn’t have the luck to know Vince or who hadn’t kept in touch with him over the years, I am so grateful to Andria for sharing this wonderful portrait of her father with us. St. Agnes School, especially the friendships he made there, was special to Vince. The SAS Class of 1960 paid a special tribute to him by placing a rose with a note from them into his casket. In addition to Vince, both of his children attended St. Agnes School and his granddaughter, Ava is in Mrs. Zhe’s PreK-3 class. Please remember to keep their family in your prayers.
