TOMASULO - Dr. Donald Victor Age 81, formerly of Buffalo, NY and recently of Binghamton, NY, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2016 at Lourdes Hospital with family by his side. He was born to Pasquale Tomasulo and Katherine (Papas) in Buffalo in May 1934. He is predeceased by his brother Joseph, sister-in-law Lucy and nephew Joseph. Donald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances Jean Provino Tomasulo, as well as his two children, John Tomasulo and Donna West, son-in-law John West and grandchildren Jacob, Emily and Joseph West. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Vincent and Joan Tomasulo. He lives on through his family and loved ones, including many nieces and nephews. Donald lived a life too rich to fit on a page, but here are some highlights: he graduated from Grover Cleveland High School and Canisius College and served in the Army reserves for 12 years, before earning his Doctorate in Education from the University at Buffalo. He led a champion chess team as a teacher at Kensington High School and taught deaf students in Buffalo Public Schools. He was a lifelong member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Buffalo, where he served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, choir member and religious education teacher. He dedicated his life to others, especially children. As a member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, he entertained hundreds of young people through magic with a message. As a docent at the Buffalo Zoo, he led camps and performed hands-on shows to teach children about animals. Donald was an avid fisherman and loved to shoot pool. His personal passions included running, violin, harp, opera, stamp collecting, puzzles, and especially origami. All who met him received an origami lily of his own design - he left quite the paper trail behind him. A Celebration of His Life will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Buffalo on June 11, 2016 at 11 AM. Those who wish to do so may make memorial donations to Blessed Sacrament Church, the Buffalo Zoo or St. Mary's School for the Deaf.

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Published by Buffalo News on May 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald TOMASULO

9 Entries

Howard Marien

July 30, 2018

He was an economics teacher at Kensington h s who drove me to school every. Morning
I was on his chess team and homeroom
He was a lieutenant in the army
A great and warm person, who is truly missed

July 1, 2017

I remember Mr. Tomasulo from Kensington High School. I was the First Board (undefeated All-High) on the championship chess team he coached in 1961-2. I'll never forget his calling me out in front of my homeroom class at the beginning of the year, pointing at me , saying "Paul, your first board this year, first board and you're going all the way." I was a little embarrassed as chess was a sort of sissy sport. Amazingly, rather than laughing, my classmates congratulated me. I learned something that day. He was a genuine and optimistic person, a great role model.

Maureen Boland

May 26, 2016

Donna and John,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He and your mother were such good friends with my parents for over 30 years. They met through Cursillo. Your Dad lived his life following in the footsteps of Jesus. He is surely with him now.

Gabriella Quain

May 25, 2016

Such a sweet and amazing man! Such an honor to know him. He will be greatly missed.

Marie Costa

May 23, 2016

With grateful thanks for Dr. T.

Judy Black

May 23, 2016

I knew Don when we were both Docents at The Buffalo Zoo--he was a most kind and soft spoken man. And his working with young children was a special talent of his. RIP

CHRISTINA PARKS

May 23, 2016

Dear Donna & Tomasulo Family:

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love you harbor in your hearts for your loved one. I firmly believe he didn't leave you ... he simply transitioned ... you will continue to feel and see his presence as you move through your own lives ... and soon enough - you meet again, soul to soul - O what a glorious day that will be!! May God's grace comfort and keep you all during this most difficult time is my prayer.

Peace and love.

Mora Walker

May 23, 2016

As a fellow neighbor of yours on Lancaster Avenue I have many great memories of being at your house as a child. Your father was such a nice man and I remember all of you with great fondness.

What a gift to have had such a wonderful husband, father, teacher, treasure for 81 years. I am sure he will be missed by many.

Sending you all a big hug.

MO - Mora Killeen Walker

Tracie Murdock

May 22, 2016

It was a privilege to care for Donald at Good Shepherd. He and his beautiful origami flowers will be greatly missed!!! I still have the beautiful rainbow trees he gave me for my Christmas tree last year! I will always remember his stories of the Army Reserves and teaching! My heart goes out to his lovely wife Frances and family.

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