William L. Sdao, 99, of Niagara Falls, NY and Pompano Beach, FL, passed away on August 30, 2021, in Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born on Mother's Day, May 14, 1922 in Plumville, PA, he was the son of the late Gasparo and Josephine Sdao.

William graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1940. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served as an enlisted man in Texas, Oklahoma and New Jersey. After quickly moving up the ranks, he served as an Officer in the Philippines and Japan. Mr. Sdao was honorably discharged on October 17, 1946. He was the recipient of numerous awards including the Philippine Liberation Medal, American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was most proud of the two citations he received while serving in General Douglas MacArthur's headquarters staff for the planning of the invasion of Japan.

Following his discharge, William returned to the area and obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Buffalo State College in 1947. He later received his Master's Degree in Education from Niagara University in 1957, and undertook doctoral studies from the University at Buffalo until 1969.

Mr. Sdao was the former Niagara Falls Superintendent of Schools, teacher and principal of South Junior and LaSalle Senior High School, and served as the Niagara Falls City Manager. He also was the Director of Planning at Niagara County Community College and was the long-time Executive Director of the Martha Beeman Foundation. He took great pride in his career as it gave him the opportunity to touch many lives. For his hard work and dedication to the community, Mr. Sdao was honored as the Educational Administrator of the Year by Niagara University, by the Local Conference of Christians and Jews as Community Leader, and by the now defunct Roast and Toast Club as Toastee of the Year.

Mr. Sdao was a longtime parishioner of the former Our Lady of Lebanon Church, where he served on their St. Vincent de Paul Society for over 30 years. He was also involved with many community activities such as the Boys' and Girls' Club and the Conference of Christians and Jews. Mr. Sdao was one of the founding fathers of Leadership Niagara, founder with George Stankovich and John Edwards of the Niagara Falls School District Administrator/Supervisory Council and member of the Erie-Niagara Conference of School Superintendents.

Mr. Sdao was an avid reader and addicted cruciverbalist, "look it up." He enjoyed "but never excelled" in golf, racquetball and tennis, with his "old timer's group" – Joe, Doc, Ace, Bob and Mimi. He and his wife, Elaine, enjoyed traveling worldwide to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Italy and many more places. They were privileged to spend the winter months in Pompano Beach, FL, with many new friends, especially his golf buddies Vince, Lenny and Ray.

Mr. Sdao is survived by his loving wife, Elaine (Fadel) Sdao; four children, Dr. Michael Sdao, Susan Pierce, Cheryl Sterling, and Kathy Sdao; three grandchildren, Matt, Joshua and Kate; three great-grandchildren; Elaine's Children, Diane (Nelson) Linza, Janelle Klejdys, John Klejdys, Jr., the late Karen Palmeri and the late Cynthia Klejdys, as well as all of their children; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Sdao was predeceased by his first wife, Agnes (Alvarez) Sdao, his granddaughter, Camille Sdao, his brothers, Benjamin (late Frances) Baldacchino, Floyd (late Marie) Sdao, John (late Doris) Sdao, James (late Betty) Sdao, Fred (late Nan) Sdao, and F. Robert (Geri) Sdao; his sisters, Kathleen (late Robert) Laurrie and Alalene (late Sam) Rotella.

Elaine wishes to thank her grandson, Scott Klejdys, and caretakers, Tim Lewis and Justice Seright for the compassion and care given to her husband this past year.

Mr. Sdao's Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18 at 11 AM in Holy Family Parish at Mt. Carmel Church, 27 ^th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. The family will be present at 10 AM. Mr. Sdao donated his body to the University at Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program. His cremains will be inurned in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.