Blaise Buffamante

Mr. Blaise Buffamante, age 85, of 91 Kent Blvd., Salamanca, New York died early Wednesday morning, May 9, 2012 at his home.

Born on August 16, 1926 in Geneseo, New York he was the son of the late James and Rose Cotropia Buffamante. He was married on July 4, 1949 to the former Jean Fitzgerald.

Mr. Buffamante was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving aboard the U.S.S. Irwin Destroyer in the Pacific Theatre during the occupation of Japan. He was awarded the Good Conduct medal, the Okinawa Campaign Medal, the Japan Occupation Medal.

He graduated from Geneseo State Teacher’s College.

Mr. Buffamante was a teacher for 38 years, 30 of which were in the Salamanca Central School District. He retired in 1985.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the Mr. & Mrs. Club, the former BPO Elks Lodge #1025, American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535, Holy Cross Athletic Club, and Elkdale Country Club where he had served as past president and many other offices. He was an avid golfer.

Surviving are: 1 son, Thomas (Kay) Buffamante, Great Valley, New York; 2 daughters, Ann Reschke, Chittenango, New York, Sarah (Robert) Drake, Jamestown, New York; 6 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. . He was predeceased by 2 brothers, James Buffamante, Stephen Buffamante, and a sister, Nancy Thompson.

There will be no visitation.

Family will be at Our Lady of Peace Parish on Saturday morning, May 12, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. to receive friends. A memorial mass will be held at 11 A.M. in the church with Rev. Patrick Melfi, pastor, as celebrant.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240-9856 or Home Care & Hospice, 1225 West State Street, Olean, New York 14760.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com, or posted to facebook.com/onofh.