Michael R. LOCURCIO

LOCURCIO - Michael R. Age 95, of West Amherst, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on June 16, 2017. From a young age Michael had a passion for Aircraft, building model airplanes of his own design. He attended Burgard Vocational School, which furthered his interest in Aircraft design. He continued his education at the University of Buffalo, earning his Associates Degree in Engineering. He went to work for Bell Aircraft after serving in Korea during World War II. At Bell, he worked on the P59, the X1 and the X2. He retired from Bell after 36 years and went on to earn his degree in Foreign Language-Italian and his Pilot's License. Memorabilia from his life's work has been donated to the Pierce Arrow Transportation Museum. Michael enjoyed traveling, skiing, tennis, cooking, gardening and driving his sports cars. Michael was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Nadia (Nepokroeff) Locurcio in 2000. Survivors include son Ralph G. Locurcio; daughters Joanne Aldridge (Jim), Marianne Samora (David), Barbara Christopher (Tom), Adrianne Braunscheidel (John); grandchildren Greta, Ian, Kevin, Mia and Mark. Burial arrangements will be private on July 8, 2017. In Michael's memory donations can be made to Hospice of WNY or Hospice of Denver, CO.