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Savino Nanula Obituary
August 21, 1930 - April 9, 2024
93, of Grand Island, NY passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Clearwater, FL, after a brief illness. Born August 21, 1930 in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Savino and Emanuella (Gianoto) Nanula; and the beloved husband of 32 years to Virginia (Calvano) Nanula. At the age of 11 Savino took his first job as a stock boy and was a meat cutter by the age of 17. He met his eventual business partner, Armand Castellani,and the two operated the Great Bear Market from 1945 to 1955.By the early 1960s, Savino, Armand and a third partner, Thomas Buscaglia, established Tops Friendly Markets. They quickly expanded the grocery store chain, including many Tops locations, Wilson Farms convenience stores, and B-Kwik stores throughout Western New York, Rochester, Syracuse and Pennsylvania. Savino semi-retired in 1991 as Chair and CEO of the company following its sale to the Ahold Company, but continued to stay active as their Vice-Chair of the Board officially retiring in 1996. In addition to his wife of 32 years, Mr. Nanula is survived by his children, Philip (Theresa) Nanula, Steven (Dana) Nanula, Paul (Karen) Nanula, Anthony (Holly) Nanula and John (Jennifer) Mezhir; his adored grandchildren, Gregory (Brian Kron) Nanula, Vincent (fiancé JoAnna Jacob)Nanula, Philip J. Nanula Jr., Michael (Felicia) Nanula, Christopher (Kristen) Nanula, Anthony (Katrina) Nanula, Daniel (Julia) Nanula, Jenna Nanula, Kerri (fiancé David Podlas) Nanula, Nicole (Paul) Bonito, Savino Nanula, Isabella Nanula, Alexa Nanula, Malinee Mezhir, Anjali Mezhir, Kate Mezhir, Jack Mezhir Max Mezhir; step-grandchildren, Joseph, Dante and Toriana Todaro; his cherished great-grandchildren, Dominic Bonito, Gemma Bonito, Giavanna Nanula, Arlo Nanula, Vera Nanula and Hayes Nanula; two siblings, Richard J. (late Shirle) Nanula and Jeanette (late Joseph) Cadille, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Nanula was predeceased by two siblings, Frances (late Carmen) Mancuso and Anthony (late Violet) Nanula; his son, Dr. James (Elizabeth) Mezhir; granddaughter, Gabriella Nanula, and his former wife Eileen Nanula. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 17 from 2 – 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Savino's Mass of Christian Burial will begin on Thursday, April 18 at 11:00 AM in St. Stephen's Church, 2100 Baseline Road Grand Island, NY 14072. Please assemble at church. Entombment will follow in St. Stephen's Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo,www.ochbuffalo.org/foundation/donate/ - Online condolences shared at mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Savino Nanula
5 Entries
Cheryl Schalk-Juliano
May 20, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Nanula's passing. He was such a grat man! He was a great success and a visionary for the success of the company that made him and Tops Friendly Markets #1!! His quiet demeanor spoke volumes but he got his point across. My condolences to the entire family for the loss of your patriarch-your father. Sending our prayers from the entire Schalk, Howard and Hedges families. Tops employed 6 people in our house at one time and today, we still have 2 family members working at Tops. God Bless Nino!
Richard & Joyce Archambeault
April 21, 2024
Phill Richard and I are so sorry about your father. Our condolences go out to you and your family. we are so sorry that we couldn´t make it to the funeral. God bless you all. Sincerely Richard and Joyce Archambeault.
Orrin Tobbe
April 18, 2024
Noreen and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Nanula family. May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Larry Kufel
April 17, 2024
I am saddened by the news of Nino's passing. I am proud to be a part of such a success story at Tops Friendly Markets that Nino was an important part of that success. Nino demanded the best out of everyone, but treated you fair and you could call his approach as tough love!!! I'm sure he'll be missed by his family and many friends. RIP Nino and Lord have mercy on his soul!!
Larry Kufel
Jim Bruno
April 17, 2024
Dear Nanula family, so sorry for your loss.mr Nanula was so thoughtful in the starting of my business.Such a nice and helpful man.
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Memorial Events
for Savino Nanula
Apr
17
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Funeral services provided by:
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
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