John J. Niedda, 92, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his two daughters and aide Betty on Thursday, September 24, 2020. Born in Niagara Falls, he was the loving son of the late Pietro and Rosa (Polo) Niedda.

John was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls growing up with the 22 ^nd Street gang and never left. He was a graduate of Trott Vocational High School where he played the clarinet in the school band and played semi-pro football. He enlisted into the United States Army and served during World War II in Japan until his honorable discharge.

On April 30, 1960, he married his beloved wife, Clara L. (Colucci) Niedda at St. Joseph's Church. Clara later predeceased him on August 14, 1975. John raised his two young daughters and later cared for his aging mother at home.

John was employed as a cement mason with the Local 111 Plasterers & Cement Masons Union for over 60 years, where he served as a union officer. He took great pride in his trade and built his house with the help of his friends. He was a devout Catholic and lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph's Church, where he served as an Usher for many years. John was also a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Hard Hats of Niagara Power Project.

In his younger years, John enjoyed spending time at the Como Restaurant and for the past several decades became a permanent fixture at the Marketside Restaurant with his second family the Poletti's. He won Cittadini Speciali (Special Citizen) Award in 2008, the Frederic Ozanam Award (Society of St. Vincent de Paul Buffalo), and first place for his homemade Zinfandel at the Como Wine Making Competition.

John was an avid winemaker and gardener. John spoke both Italian and Sardo. He proudly carried on the food traditions of his Sardinian parents. John loved to travel – Japan, England, Sardinia, Italy, Mexico, and visiting his daughters in New Jersey. He was always game to hang out with his girls and their friends, go to Point Lookout, or baseball games, especially his beloved New York Yankees.

John had a wicked sense of humor. He was a sweet and gentle soul who had a quiet strength. John recently suffered bladder cancer and at the beginning of 2020 had an infection that left him bedbound. He bore this cross with grace and a smile. John led an ordinary life that was extraordinary.

Above all, John will be remembered as a devoted family man and a good friend to all. John is survived by his daughters, Teresa Niedda and Margaret Niedda; his nieces and nephews, Christina (Ryan) O'Brien and Michael Colucci; one great-nephew Liam O'Brien; and his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lena Colucci and Joseph (Joanne) Colucci. John will also be remembered by his Aunt Rosa Polo and numerous cousins in Sardinia and London. He was predeceased by his sister Patti - Sister Rosa Mystica Niedda, OSF and his sister-in-law Ida Colucci.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 30 from 11 A.M. – 1 P.M. at HOLY FAMILY PARISH AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, where John's Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 P.M. Interment with Military Honors will follow outside in St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Holy Family Conference, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 Attention: Joe Kurek or to The Farmworker Support Committee (C.A.T.A.) P.O. Box 510, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.

It took a village to keep John in his home as his health failed. We want to thank the Veterans Affairs for all their support, Landmark Health Services, Visiting Nursing Association of Western NY - especially his loyal nurse Mary, his aide Shannon, and therapists, Pathways Palliative Care Program (Cari and Cassidy), Niagara County Office for the Aging, all his doctors, and especially his aides, Betty, Eileen, and Amanda, who lovingly cared for him. We thank work colleagues, family, and friends for their prayers and support over the years.

Due to Covid-19, masks and maintaining social distance are required at both the church and cemetery. If you feel more comfortable not attending, know that we understand and that you are thinking of John and his family.