Bernard T. Critelli Sr., 93, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Saturday November 27, 2010 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Cesare and Gloria (Tavano) Critelli.


Mr. Critelli was a longtime resident of Niagara Falls, NY and has resided in Pittsburgh, PA for the past three years. He attended local Niagara Falls schools and served in the United States Army during World War II. On March 7, 1945 he married Martha M. (Micale) Critelli at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. Critelli recently predeceased him on November 4, 2010. For over forty years, Ben owned and operated the former Benny's Liquor Store in Niagara Fall, NY.

He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niagara Falls, as well as a member of the Italian American Gourmet Club, the Italian War Veterans, the Knights of Columbus, and was past president of the former Century Club. Benny was an outstanding athlete and sports enthusiast. While attending high school, he excelled in football and baseball. He continued to be active in sports throughout his life participating in local bowling leagues as well as playing handball and racquetball at the Niagara Falls YMCA. Ben was an avid Buffalo Sabres fan and in his leisure time enjoyed fishing, and working in his vegetable garden.


Mr. Critelli is survived by his three children, Gloria (James) Dausch of Frederick, MD; Joanne (Gerald) Bell of McDonald, PA and Bernard Critelli Jr., of Niagara Falls, NY; five grandchildren, Robert (Susan) Dausch, Jeffrey (Erin) Dausch, Michael (Marie) Dausch, Melissa (Steven) Baumgartner and Alison Duval, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by one brother, Gerald Critelli and three sisters, Anna (late Victor) Caribino, Marie (late Dominic) Muoio and Rose (James of Niagara Falls, NY) Hevia.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 4, 2010 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY with Military Honors. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 or to the Niagara Falls Y.M.C.A., 1317 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.