James A. "Jimmy" Sdao, age 94, of Niagara Falls, NY, died peacefully on December 22, 2010, at Our Lady of Peace, after a lengthy illness. Born October 3, 1916 in Plumville, PA, he was the son of the late Jasper and Josephine (Lorelli) Sdao.

A loving husband and father, Jimmy took great pride in supporting his family through his entrepreneurial spirit and salesmanship skills. After working for Levy Brothers Furniture, Jimmy partnered with family members to found Sdao Furniture on Niagara Street. In the early 1960s, he co-founded the Mall Restaurant in The Boulevard Mall in Amherst, NY – the only restaurant in one of the first enclosed shopping plazas in the country. In partnership with his wife, he owned and operated the Carrousel of Flowers on Niagara Street for 11 years. He also worked for the Niagara County Health Department and Cancemi Furniture.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish since its founding and enjoyed participation in the Sertoma Club and the former Century Club, where he served terms as president. Jimmy also served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Jimmy cherished his family and friends. His fondness for thoroughbred horse racing prompted occasional fun family weekend trips to Toronto. He also enjoyed a good game of Poker or Pinochle. A football fan, Jimmy and a group of friends were among the first Buffalo Bills season-ticket holders at the former Rich Stadium and they also attended several Super Bowl games. Among his favorite foods was fresh Italian bread, perhaps a remnant from his early years delivering for DiCamillo Bakery.

Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Betty (Marcinko) Sdao; two daughters, Cynthia (William) Miller of Brisbane, CA, and Lori (Donald) Barrette of Fairport, NY; five grandchildren, Daniel and Andrew Miller, and Zachary, Alexander and Megan Barrette; three brothers, Fred (Nan) Sdao and Bill (Elaine) Sdao of Niagara Falls, and Bob (Geri) Sdao of Lewiston, NY, and a sister, Deana (Sam) Rotella of Olean, NY, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, James Jr.; an infant daughter, Linda; a great-grandson, Collin Miller; three brothers and their wives, Ben (Frances) Baldacchino, Floyd (Marie) Sdao, John (Doris) Sdao; and a sister,
Katherine Laurrie.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 3-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Tuesday December 28th at 11:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in Holy Family of Jesus Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 27th Street and Independence Ave. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Stewart Lindsay O.S.F.S officiating. Interment will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Lewiston, NY. If desired, memorial offerings may be made to Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence 5285 Lewiston Road Lewiston, NY 14092 or Holy Family Parish 1413 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY 14301.