Joseph James Sciandra

Sept. 28, 1924 – April 17, 2015

Joseph James Sciandra, who helped start the local Daffodil Days promotion to benefit the American Cancer Society while he worked at Hens & Kelly department stores, died Friday at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. He was 90.

Mr. Sciandra was born in Pittson, Pa., and was a graduate of Hutchinson Technical High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army.

He began his retail career at Flint & Kent department store, working in the display department. He later became display director for Oppenheim-Collins department store, and it was there that he met his future wife, the former Claire Crosato. The couple was married for 58 years.

Mr. Sciandra moved on to Hens & Kelly, where he was the sales promotion manager. It was in that position that he helped promote Daffodil Days, a springtime fundraiser that continues today, outlasting the department stores, which closed in 1982.

Not yet ready to retire, Mr. Sciandra continued working at Twin Fair, U-Haul and at the University at Buffalo, where he was a carpenter. He also moonlighted as a decorator for local restaurants and retailers, and owned the DeSigns sign company.

A resident of Williamsville, he liked to read and was known to enjoy a good cigar with his son, afternoons at the waterfront with his wife, and any time he could spend with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Sciandra is survived by his son, Joseph S.; his daughter, Diane Hull; two sisters, Angie Genovese and Mickey Lazzara; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private.