Regis A. Vail

Regis A. Vail, 68, of Allegany, NY, died September 9, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital following a short illness.

Born September 15, 1953 in Salamanca, NY he was the son of the late William and Marie Biscup Vail.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1971, attended Jamestown Community College, earned his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo, and earned his Master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University.

Regis had been employed as a dedicated Special Education Teacher with CA BOCES, Olean, NY, and taught in Salamanca schools for over 40 years. After retiring in 2008, he continued to teach part time until recent years.

He will be remembered for his great love of family, friends, and students, especially his close bond with his grandchildren and the “regular” phone calls with his children. He was an avid reader, conversationalist, and pillar of support to all who knew him. His generosity touched the hearts of many throughout the community.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, the Holy Cross Club, and former president of the Salamanca BPO Elks Lodge 1025, where he was proud to support local charities and organizations. He never missed a Salamanca Warriors football game and regularly donated to the Salamanca Sports Booster Club. He coached SYA football, and was one of the founders of the Salamanca Youth Wrestling Program.

As a former teacher, coach, and citizen of 60+ years, Regis loved the community of Salamanca dearly. He was a friend to all and any in need and he will be greatly missed.

Surviving are: four daughters, Elizabeth Perry, FL, Emily (Jordan) Burch, NC, Meghan (Michael) Powell, MS, Alexis Vail, Stony Brook, NY; a son, Joseph Lewis, AZ; two women he helped raise, Cathy (Eric) Sailer, Buffalo, NY, Jennifer (Geoff) Mealey, Shortsville, NY; two brothers, John Vail, Olean, NY, Kevin (Cathy) Vail, Venice, FL; a sister, Kathleen (Paul) Punsalang, Sevierville, TN; a granddaughter, Savannah Perry, FL; a grandson, Dustin Perry, FL; an expected granddaughter, MS; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Michelle “Mikki” Ellis.

There will be no visitation.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Holy Cross Club, 35 Clinton Street, Salamanca, NY 14779 on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 1pm.

Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the Salamanca Sports Booster Club, care of Salamanca City Central School District, Athletic Department, 50 Iroquois Drive, Salamanca, NY 14779.

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

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