Anthony C. Fera, Sr., 86 of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Sunday July 15, 2012 at Absolute Care at Gasport, surrounded by his family. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Stanley and Elmirinda 'Millie' (D'Ambrosio) Fera.

Anthony was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls. He attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School. Tony served in the United States Army Air Force as a Corporal during World War II. He was an aerial gunner with the 1060th Army Air Force Unit and awarded the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. On February 20, 1946 he married Elvira M. (Garcia) Fera in Greensboro, NC. Anthony was a member of the City of Niagara Falls Police Department for over forty years beginning in 1951. He worked his way through the ranks to become Police Chief in 1974 until his retirement in 1991. He came out of retirement in 1996 to serve as Police Chief again until 1998. Mr. Fera was actively involved in several local community organizations which included the Knights of Columbus Council #247, the I.S.D.A. Volare Lodge, Rotary Club, Lions Club and former Century Club. He was also a member of the New York State Police Chief and Judges Association. His favorite pastimes included cooking his famous meatballs and sauce for his family, traveling, reading, listening to music, especially big band and Frank Sinatra. He was also an avid gardener, but Tony's greatest joy was being with his family particularly his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of sixty six years, Mr. Fera is survived by three children, Stanley (Bonnie) Fera II of Niagara Falls, NY; Celestina (Ed) Ventry of Wheatfield, NY; Mary (Jack) Price of Grove Port, OH and was predeceased by one son Anthony (Mary Beth of Lexington, KY) Fera, Jr. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two brothers Robert (Toni) Fera and Ernest (late Josephine) Fera both of Niagara Falls, NY as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the brother-in-law of Celestino and Frances Garcia of Las Vegas, NV and Emma Garcia of Niagara Falls, NY.

Visitation will be on Wednesday and Thursday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Friday July 20th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. John De LaSalle Church, 8469 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Slawomir Siok, SAC officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Absolute Care of Gasport for their gentle and loving care.