Dr. Salvatore M. Passanese, 63, of Lewiston, NY passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Salvatore L. and Antoinette (DiMeo) Passanese.

Salvatore was a lifelong resident of the area and attended local schools. In 1973 he graduated from Niagara County Community College and from Buffalo State College in 1975. Salvatore continued his education at Niagara University where he earned a Masters Degree and later at St. Bonaventure University where he earned a PhD degree in micro biology. Salvatore had a forty year career as a professor of microbiology at Niagara County Community College and retired in 2015. During that time he served as Chairman of their Math, Science, Technology and Allied Health Division. He was Coordinator of the Medical Assisting Program and authored a microbiology lab book which is currently still being used. He was a member of the American Society Microbiology and was currently President of Empower of Western New York, formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy. In his leisure time he enjoyed gardening and spending time with his dogs.

Salvatore is survived by his wife Lillian (Stanwich) Passanese, one brother Lawrence (Kathleen) Passanese, one sister Annette Passanese, his nieces and nephews Nicholas and Noah Passanese, Brett Stanwich, Jill Siradas and Jack Stanwich, his great niece Lily Siradas; his brother-in-law Dr. Eugene (Nancy) Stanwich, two uncles, one aunt, several cousins and his loving dog Gianna Passanese.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 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 Friday, August 26th at 10 a.m. at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial donations may be made to Empower of WNY, 9812 Lockport Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 or to Niagara County Community College Foundation Student Scholarship Fund, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, NY 14132.