Andrea Henry P. Certo, Sr, 86, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Saturday August 22, 2009 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Peter and Catherine (Antonucci) Certo. On October 18, 1952 he married Natalie (Bator) Certo in Holy Trinity Church in Niagara Falls, NY.

Henry was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY, attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School. During World War II he served in the United States Army as a Private First Class from January 13, 1943 until his honorable discharge on November 25, 1945. He was active in anti-aircraft artillery and participated in the D-Day plus 6 invasion at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II victory medal. Henry was the co-founder and past president of Certo Brothers Distributing Company, Allegheny Beverage Company, J & M Distributing Company, Niagara Leasing Company, and Peter Certo Corporation. Mr. Certo was a generous benefactor to Niagara County Community College and numerous other charities. His community involvements included membership at the Niagara Frontier Country Club, Niagara Falls Country Club, PGA of WNY Lifetime Honorary Member, Niagara Falls Bowling Hall of Fame, Fraternal Order of Elks, American Legion, Knights of Columbus #247, St. Catharine's Club, Italian- American Gourmet Club, Loyal Order of Moose, Cristoforo Colombo Society, YMCA, and LaSalle Sportsmen Club. Hank was also an avid golfer.


In addition to his wife of fifty-six years, Mr. Certo is survived by eight children: Peter I. (Rose) Certo, Cathy (Ron) Vilardo, Andrea "Hank" (Shayne) Certo, Marie (Ken) DeMont, Joseph Certo, Ken (Tracy) Certo, Dr. Margaret Certo, and Mark (Kristin) Certo all of Western New York; sixteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; three sisters Margaret (late Frank) (late Palmer) Serianni of Lewiston, NY; Elizabeth (Bob) Pfleger of Niagara Falls, NY; Mary (late Manny) Morinello Rolle of Lewiston, NY; one brother the Honorable Anthony J. (Rita) Certo of Niagara Falls, NY; his lifelong friend Joseph Sgro; and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives. Henry was predeceased by three brothers: Albert J. (Josephine of Niagara Falls, NY) Certo, Candelor J. (Ken) (Katie of Lewiston, NY) Certo, and Joseph Certo.


Friends may call on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 6 – 9 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday August 27th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Raphael Parish, 3840 Macklem Ave. at College Ave. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Ivan Skenderovic officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment with military honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. The Knights of Columbus Council#247 will offer a prayer service Wednesdayat 7:30 PM at the funeral home. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara County Community College Foundation Inc, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132.