Merriam Webster's dictionary defines obituary as "a notice of death". That is not what this is. This is not a notice at all actually. And it's certainly not about death. It's a story of a devoted and beautiful life. He did not die.  He lived.

This is a story about Armand Joseph Giambattista.  Born in Niagara Falls, NY in 1924. The son of Italian immigrant parents, Frank and Angelina (Mancini) Giambattista. He was born in the depression era and learned at an early age to make do with what he had. His early years molded him into the incredible person that he was. A jack of all trades. To us he was a real life "Mr. Fix-it", a master electrician, plumber and carpenter, nurse, talented cook and baker. He could do it all.

He graduated from Trott Vocational High School in 1942 and began his career at Oldbury (later known as Oxy Chemical) as a machinist, until drafted into the United States Army in 1943. He served as a medic in England, France and Wales during WWII, working in hospitals treating wounded soldiers. In 1947 he met Carmella Macri at the meat market where she worked when he went in to buy a pound of ground round and as fate would have it, he fell in love. They were married June 4, 1949 at St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls, NY. His two daughters came along next, Denise and Janine. He poured everything into his family and we hope we are everything he taught us to be: respectful, determined, hard-working and luckily close to each other. That was maybe his greatest gift, to keep us close. After the war, he resumed work at Oxy Chemical for 40 years retiring in 1982.

Music was also a huge part of his life.  He loved big band, swing and jazz. For over 25 years he played at weddings and parties as a stand-up bass and electric bass player. Armand and Carmella traveled extensively. Their most memorable trips were Hawaii, Las Vegas, California and spending a month in Europe. They enjoyed visiting their out-of-town friends and treasured their many friendships that they had, most for over 50 years. Armand spent his retirement golfing, playing poker, fishing, watching the Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees and bowling until the age of 93.  One of his biggest achievements was his hole-in one on July 21, 1980 at the Hyde Park Golf course.

Above it all, his most prized possessions were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed a sporting event, music recital, band concert or birthday celebration. He was a constant in all of our lives. At 98 years old he lived life on his terms and was surrounded by family, always. His life was full and his blessings were many. On April 27, 2022 he went peacefully to Heaven where he was reunited with the love of his life – his wife, Carmella.

Armand is survived by his daughters, Denise (Mark) Kramarz and Janine (Dr. James) Moretti; his grandchildren, Marja (Joseph) Niccola, Andrea (Jerry) Mulloor, Kevin (fiancée Christina Crane) Kramarz, Jamie (Patrick) Oney, Jacqueline DeMira, Melissa Moretti, and Michael (Melanie) Moretti; his great-grandchildren, Grace DeMira, Dominic DeMira, Nathan DeMira, Joey Niccola, Ava Niccola, Carmella Niccola, Lucas Oney, Colin Oney, Dylan Oney, Ahnika Mulloor, and Avani Mulloor; his caring nieces, Janice Centofanti and Donna Giambattista, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to his wife of 60 years, who predeceased him on March, 2, 2010, he was predeceased by his siblings, Jessie (late Mario) Centofanti and Albert (late Audrey) Giambattista.

Private funeral services and entombment with Military Honors in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY, will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one's choice.  Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.