Notes:

Ignazio “Nash” Ognibene, 88, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at his home on Thursday, April 19, 2018. Born in Villalba, Sicily, Italy on January 11, 1930, he was the son of the late Giovanni and Caterina (Surdi) Ognibene. Ignazio immigrated to the United States on January 17, 1953 and settled in Niagara Falls. He quickly learned how to speak and write in English and began working at the former Carborundum Company and Hooker Chemical Company. He then attended floral design school in Chicago, IL and returned home to open Everybody’s Florist on Pine Avenue from 1957 to 1971. During his time at the floral shop, Nash was blessed to meet the love of his life, Margaret Rose (Buffone) Ognibene, whom he married on February 27, 1960 at St. Joseph Church. Following the sale of Everybody’s Florist, he was employed by Laborer’s Local 91 until building his pride and joy from the ground up, the Casa Nova Ristorante and Lounge which opened in 1975. Nash owned and operated the restaurant until passing it down to his son in 1995 following his retirement. Ignazio was a past president of the Cristoforo Colombo Society where he also served as Chairman for the New Building Fund and raised over $80,000 to construct the current building on Pine Avenue. Nash was an avid outdoorsmen and hunter. He also enjoyed wine making, tending to his gardens, canning and going to the casino. Above all, Mr. Ognibene loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is survived by his children, Catherine (Douglas) Potter, John (Lisa) Ognibene, Nancy (David) DalPorto and Maria Ognibene; grandchildren, Gianna (Timothy) Carroll, Danielle Potter, Francesca Ognibene, Vincent Ognibene and was predeceased by his beloved grandson Michael Ognibene. He is also survived by his siblings Josephine (late Salvatore) Vicari and Salvatore Ognibene; his sister-in-law Frances Buffone, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by six siblings, Giuseppe (Rosa), John, Vincent, Charles, Josephine and Giuseppe Ognibene. Visitation will be Sunday, April 22nd from 1 -3 & 5 – 7 P.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, where funeral services will begin on Monday at 11:15 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the WNY Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Niagara Hospice. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.

Ignazio married BUFFONE, Margaret R [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: POTTER, Douglas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Lisa. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: DALPORTO, David. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]