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- Savino P. ‘Nino’ Nanula, 93, of Grand Island, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Clearwater, FL, after a brief illness. Born August 21, 1930 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Savino and Emanuella (Gianoto) Nanula; and the beloved husband of 32 years to Virginia (Calvano) Nanula.
Savino graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School. At the age of 11 he took his first job as a stock boy and was a meat cutter by the age of 17. He met his eventual business partner, Armand Castellani, and the two operated the Great Bear Market from 1945 to 1955. By the early 1960s, Savino, Armand and a third partner, Thomas Buscaglia, established Tops Friendly Markets. They quickly expanded the grocery store chain, including many Tops locations, Wilson Farms convenience stores, and B-Kwik stores throughout Western New York, Rochester, Syracuse and Pennsylvania. Savino semi-retired in 1991 as Chair and CEO of the company following its sale to the Ahold Company, but continued to stay active as their Vice-Chair of the Board officially retiring in 1996.
In 2005 Savino joined WFI Acquisitions, Inc. (Wilson Farms) partnered by his son Paul Nanula, President and CEO of Wilson Farms. As Chairman of the Board, Savino oversaw the purchase of 198 store chain back from Ahold company.
Aside from his dedication to his career, Mr. Nanula was heavily involved in the community serving on numerous boards and committees such as the United Way, Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo where he was the permanent chairman of their annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament. He was also active with the Buffalo Hospice Foundation, the former Marine Midland Bank, Canisius College and Niagara University, Boy Scouts of America and the WNY Food Bank (Meals on Wheels/FeedMore WNY). Savino also formerly served as a director of the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce and received a Honorary Doctorate from Niagara University.
Savino humbly received countless recognition throughout his life including the Businessman of the Year Award in 1983 from Canisius College, and many other awards. Known as a “naturally low-keyed man,” Savino was quoted that he “preferred to be giving rather than receiving.”
In his leisure time, Savino loved to golf and was a longtime member of the Niagara Falls Country Club, as well as the Buffalo Club and Buffalo Launch Club. He was also an avid cook, but above all he cherished the time spent with beloved family who will miss him dearly.
In addition to his wife of 32 years, Mr. Nanula is survived by his children, Philip (Theresa) Nanula, Steven (Dana) Nanula, Paul (Karen) Nanula, Anthony (Holly) Nanula and John (Jennifer) Mezhir; his adored grandchildren, Gregory (Brian Kron) Nanula, Vincent (fiancé JoAnna Jacob) Nanula, Philip J. Nanula Jr., Michael (Felicia) Nanula, Christopher (Kristen) Nanula, Anthony (Katrina) Nanula, Daniel (Julia) Nanula, Jenna Nanula, Kerri (fiancé David Podlas) Nanula, Nicole (Paul) Bonito, Savino Nanula, Isabella Nanula, Alexa Nanula, Malinee Mezhir, Anjali Mezhir, Kate Mezhir, Jack Mezhir Max Mezhir; step-grandchildren, Joseph, Dante and Toriana Todaro; his cherished great-grandchildren, Dominic Bonito, Gemma Bonito, Giavanna Nanula, Arlo Nanula, Vera Nanula and Hayes Nanula; two siblings, Richard J. (late Shirle) Nanula and Jeanette (late Joseph) Cadille, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Nanula was predeceased by two siblings, Frances (late Carmen) Mancuso and Anthony (late Violet) Nanula; his son, Dr. James (Elizabeth) Mezhir; granddaughter, Gabriella Nanula, and his former wife Eileen Nanula.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 2 – 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Savino’s Mass of Christian Burial will begin on Thursday, April 18 at 11:00 AM in St. Stephen’s Church, 2100 Baseline Road Grand Island, NY 14072. Please assemble at church. Entombment will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, www.ochbuffalo.org/foundation/donate/
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1930 - 2024 (93 years)