On January 31, 2026, Kathleen J. Boniello gracefully and peacefully left this world, reunited at last with her beloved daughter, Rachel.

The daughter of Arthur and Stella (Gozdowsky) Lake, she was born in Niagara Falls on December 29, 1945. Kathy was raised in the Niagara Falls community and attended Fifth Street Elementary School, South Junior High School, and Niagara Falls High School. She went on to earn both her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree from Niagara University on a full scholarship. On April 2, 1971, she married the love of her life, Ralph.

Kathy began her career teaching Language Arts at Lockport High School before leaving the profession to raise her four children. An avid Bridge and Mahjong player, she cherished her time spent playing cards with friends. She was also an excellent baker, known especially for her delicious apple pies.

Kathy had a special love for Italian and Polish food and enjoyed dining with friends and family. She delighted in traveling, both with her husband and on group trips with friends and Niagara University. She adored her pets, found comfort in laughter in her favorite television shows, and was an avid reader who found great joy in a good book.

Above all else, family was at the center of Kathy’s world. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children and her beloved grandchildren—Ethan, Sienna, and Nathan—who brought her endless pride and joy.

Kathleen is survived by her beloved husband, The Hon. Ralph A. Boniello, III, her three children, Ralph IV, Michael (Pooya Nasseri), and Kristen Boniello (Sean Ingham), as well as her three grandchildren, her sisters Marilyn Gratto, Barbara Gouin, and Karen Klinger, and several nieces and nephews.

The Boniello family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Brothers of Mercy, Hospice, and Virginia Panaro for their compassionate care of Kathy.

Visitation will be held on Friday February 6, 2026, from 3:00-7:00 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Kathleen’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday February 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM in St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Buffalo Hospice, Brothers of Mercy, or the Scholarship fund at Niagara University in the name of Rachel B. Boniello. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.