John T. McFall Sr.

He was born June 2, 1932, in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of Howard F. and Elizabeth (McMahon) McFall.

He is survived by his sons: John (late Andrea), Daniel (Allison Lowry) and Thomas (Vikki); and his five grandchildren: Liam, Brendan, Maeve, Shannon and Brianna McFall.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joan Ellen (O’Brien) McFall, whom he married June 20, 1959, and who died Aug. 30, 2017; two brothers: Howard McFall, who died while serving in World War II, and James “Red” McFall in 2011; and his daughter, Kathleen Elizabeth McFall.

John served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-56 and he worked at Spaulding Fiber from 1956-75 as a purchasing agent. From 1975 to his retirement in 2005, he worked for Holiday Twin Rinks/Leisure Rinks where he taught thousands of kids how to skate and play hockey. He is well-known throughout the hockey community in western New York for his countless hours of coaching, running leagues and clinics, and working with young hockey players.

John had an infectious sense of humor, loved to tell jokes, sing songs and make people laugh. He was passionate about his family, sports, and his Irish heritage.

Friends will be received on Saturday, Oct 20, from 3-7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 21, from 3-7 p.m. , at the D. Lawrence Ginnane Funeral Home, 3215 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, N.Y.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 33 Victoria Blvd., Kenmore, N.Y.

Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.