Bernard T. Critelli, Jr., 57, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the loving son of Bernard T., Sr. and Martha (Micale) Critelli.

Benny, as he was known to family and friends, graduated from Bishop Duffy High School in 1975 and attended Niagara County Community College. Benny began working alongside his father at the family's business, Benny's Liquor Store, where he became the sole owner after his dad's retirement. Ben later merged his company with Larry's Liquor Store in Niagara Falls, NY, where he currently co-owned and operated the business with his cousin, Anthony Colucci.

Benny was an avid sports fan and talented athlete. In his younger years, he participated in local baseball leagues including the Hyde Park Little League, as a member of the Talarico Yankees. Benny's true passion was for the game of hockey. He began playing at a young age in the Niagara Amateur League, and later at Bishop Duffy High School. He continued to play in the Niagara Falls Senior Alumni Hockey league and served as treasurer for The Damn Yankees senior tournament hockey team in Niagara Falls, NY. Benny also enjoyed fishing and golfing. Above all, he will be remembered as a selfless, compassionate man with a great sense of humor.

Benny was much loved and will be dearly missed by all of his family and many friends. He is survived by his two loving sisters, Gloria (James) Dausch of Pawleys Island, SC and Joanne (Gerald) Bell of Pittsburgh, PA; his nieces and nephews, Robert (Susan) Dausch, Jeffrey (Erin) Dausch, Michael (Maria) Dausch, Melissa (Steven) Baumgartner and Alison Duvall; nine great-nieces and nephews; also many cousins and numerous friends. He is also survived by his longtime love, Melinda Smith as well as her family and is godfather to the several children of his family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16th 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 Tuesday, February 17th at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Ave., Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY, will be held at the convenience of the family. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 1023 Swann Road, Youngstown, NY 14174 or to Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.