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Andrew Cerza Obituary
Dec. 19, 1924 – April 8, 2015
Andrew J. Cerza, a retired food executive who helped his son launch the National Buffalo Wing Festival, died Wednesday at his Williamsville home after a battle with kidney disease. He was 90.
Mr. Cerza was born in Astoria, and as a youth, excelled in baseball and basketball. But he turned down a baseball scholarship from the University of California to serve in the Marine Corps.
He later earned an accounting degree from St. John's University in 1951.
Mr. Cerza started his career at United Grocers in New York City, where he served as sales promotion and advertising manager.
He moved his family to Buffalo in 1962 to open up the supermarket division of Twin Fair. He served as executive vice president for 20 years until Twin Fair sold its stores.
Known as the "King of Food Displays," Cerza impressed the industry with his creativity and gutsy ordering and sometimes was refused orders because of the fear that he couldn't move the product. Mr. Cerza never failed to sell out his displays.
In 1964, he built the world's largest beer display, totaling over 104,000 cans of Carling Black Label.
In 1982, he started Cerza Food Brokers and represented various national food brands. In 1994, Mr. Cerza joined his son, Drew, as the CFO of RMI Promotions Group, a company that developed supermarket promotions for national and local food companies.
And in 2002, Mr. Cerza helped his son launch the National Buffalo Wing Festival.
"Having the opportunity to work with my dad side-by-side was not only personally enjoyable, but he also taught me how to become a real businessman. His morals, values and ethics were off the charts. He was a great mentor," Drew Cerza said.
Mr. Cerza retired in 2006.
He was recognized with many food industry awards. In 1982 he was named the Boys Town of Italy Man of the Year. He also served as the President of the New York State Food Merchants Association.
In 1979, he started the first Lasallian Auction Fundraiser for St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, which still serves as the school's largest annual fundraiser.
Survivors include his wife, Pauline; two daughters, Kathy Owens and Colleen Tripi; another son, Paul; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10 a.m. Monday in St. Mary's Church, Swormville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Cerza
Peter Solovey
April 16, 2015
Mr Cerza was vice president of Twin Fair where I started my supermarket career back in the sixties. Everyone would get so nervous when he would come to their store. I was the lucky one, I was chosen to run the store on Eggert Rd. where Mr and Mrs. Cerza shopped. I got to know Mrs Cerza and also Kathleen when she was young and her father had her do demos at the stores. As it turned out I loved Eggert Rd. Twin Fair. That was my favorite place to work. It's been a very long time but, every time I saw Drew' s name on tv I thought of Andrew Cerza. He was a good boss that everyone feared until you really got to know him. He ran a great division of Twin Fair and although I'm recently retired, I still miss it.
To the Cerza Family I would like to send my deepest sympathy for the loss of a husband, a father and a great man.
Peter Solovey
Victoria Barillari
April 13, 2015
Mrs. Creza , Drew , Jodi, and the rest of the family. I'm so sorry for your loss . I've been reading about what a wonderful man he was . May you all find peace.
April 13, 2015
Drew and Family,
Our prayers are with you,
Peter and Paula Blenk
April 13, 2015
Sincere sympathy. May God keep you strong in your time of loss.
Tim Scehrer
April 13, 2015
I spoke with Mr. Cerza for many years when I worked at Paychex. I enjoyed his stories and his sense of humor. My condolences to the Cerza Family.
Gary Wilcocks vacuum center
April 13, 2015
Drew and family,condolences on the loss of your father. The gifts of his personality and marketing skills will be with you always.You are in our prayers.
April 13, 2015
Paul and Judy, my sincere condolences to you. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. Ellie
Wilda Lerczak
April 13, 2015
Pauline and Cerza family: I am deeply saddened to hear of Andrew's passing. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Richard & Mary Davenport
April 12, 2015
To the entire Cerza family, Mary and I send our deepest condolences for your husband, father and grandfather's passing. I knew Andy (Mr. Cerza in the old days) since 1964 and his Twin Fair days. He was a Grocery business giant in the 60's and 70's. Most importantly he was a fair and caring man whom I totally respected and enjoyed. He was always good to me and my Dad. And he surrounded himself with a wonderful team of great folks. I'll never forget him. He was a good man.
April 12, 2015
May God grant you the strength to deal with your loss.
Ed Healy
April 12, 2015
Drew, I was so sorry to read about your Dad's passing. He sounds like he was a tremendous guy -- a success in his career, devoted to his family, and loved and admired by everyone who knew him. My thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn the passing of your patriarch. With sincere condolences, Ed Healy
Mr. Cerza
April 12, 2015
Dear Mr. Cerza, Colleen and Family
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of Mr. Cerza. It was truly and honor and privilege to have met him. We were fortunate to be able to escort him on our October 13, 2012 flight (along with Colleen)to visit his memorial in Washington, DC and thank him for his service. He was truly one of the "Greatest Generation" and proud to serve as a U.S. Marine. Rest in peace Mr. Cerza.
Our sincere sympathy to the family.
Lisa, Jo-Anne, Dorothy, Debbie and JR
Honor Flight Buffalo Board of Directors
Brendan & Lisa Finn
April 12, 2015
Drew, sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I remember meeting him a few times during our SJCI days. I see where you got your marketing skills from. Your in our prayers my friend.
Angie Bogart
April 11, 2015
Pauline, my sincere condolences to you and your family on he loss of your husband. I will be thinking of you and will keep you in my prayers.
Ken Adams
April 11, 2015
Colleen & Family ... Although I've never had the pleasure of meeting your father, through our frequent conversations concerning our parents I feel that I've known your father for years. My condolences on the loss of your dear Father.
mary wright
April 11, 2015
Kathy and family,my deepest sympathy. Such fond memories growing up; know of my prayerful support for you and your family.
Edward Gruber
April 11, 2015
Drew, Jodi and the rest of the Cerza family. I am sorry I cannot be there for you at this time. My family and I will pray for you during this trying time.
April 11, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad.
Rick & Angela Moffett
Larry Bicz
April 11, 2015
Drew and family.
You and I shared a special relationship with our Dad's. Remember that as you celebrate your Fathers life. Best wishes and special thoughts my friend.
Larry Bicz
April 11, 2015
Drew and family.
My best thoughts are with you as you celebrate your fathers life. You and I had special relationships with our Dad's. The memories will live long, and be cherished. Very best wishes my friend.
Bruce and Mary Fenwick
April 10, 2015
Our deepest sympathy on your loss, we share in your sorrow.
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