Mario J. Colucci
Founder (1926 - 2016)
Mario was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy from January of 1945 until his honorable discharge in July of 1946. He received his high school diploma in 1947 from Trott Vocational in Niagara Falls, NY and graduated from the McAllister School of Mortuary Science in New York City in 1949. Mario served his apprenticeship at the former Ernest Wedekindt Funeral Home in Buffalo, NY and received his funeral director’s license in 1955. In 1958, he opened the M.J. Colucci Funeral Chapel on 19th Street, and continued to work until 2014, amassing over 56 years of dedicated service.
Mario was active in many trade organizations, including the Niagara County Funeral Directors Group, Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association, New York State Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. A member of St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls, NY, Mario served as an usher for 52 years and also a member of the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society and Holy Name Society, of which he was formerly president. In addition, he was a member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society, Knights of Columbus Council #247, and the Italian Sons & Daughters of America.
Mario passed away in 2016 at the age of 89, but his compassion, care for others, and gentle nature will not soon be forgotten.
Mario J. Colucci
Founder (1926 - 2016)
Mario was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy from January of 1945 until his honorable discharge in July of 1946. He received his high school diploma in 1947 from Trott Vocational in Niagara Falls, NY and graduated from the McAllister School of Mortuary Science in New York City in 1949. Mario served his apprenticeship at the former Ernest Wedekindt Funeral Home in Buffalo, NY and received his funeral director’s license in 1955. In 1958, he opened the M.J. Colucci Funeral Chapel on 19th Street, and continued to work until 2014, amassing over 56 years of dedicated service.
Mario was active in many trade organizations, including the Niagara County Funeral Directors Group, Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association, New York State Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. A member of St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls, NY, Mario served as an usher for 52 years and also a member of the parish St. Vincent de Paul Society and Holy Name Society, of which he was formerly president. In addition, he was a member of the Cristoforo Colombo Society, Knights of Columbus Council #247, and the Italian Sons & Daughters of America.
Mario passed away in 2016 at the age of 89, but his compassion, care for others, and gentle nature will not soon be forgotten.
John C. Colucci
Owner/Licensed Manager
A graduate of Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls, NY, John attended and graduated from State University of New York at Canton in 1975 with a degree in Mortuary Science. At age 19, John joined his father Mario as an apprentice at the M.J. Colucci and Son Funeral Chapel; he became majority owner and manager in 1992. John is active in many trade orgnanizations, as he is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association, and the Niagara County Funeral Directors Group. John is involved in many civic and community organizations. He is a former Vice President and Board Member of the Niagara Falls YMCA, a former chairperson of the Niagara University Scholarship Ball, current member of Knights of Columbus Coucil #247, The Cristoforo Colombo Society, Niagara Falls Country Club, and St. Peter's RC Church in Lewiston, NY. John and his wife Nancy live in Lewiston, NY and have one son and 2 granddaughters.
John C. Colucci
Owner/Licensed Manager
A graduate of Bishop Duffy High School in Niagara Falls, NY, John attended and graduated from State University of New York at Canton in 1975 with a degree in Mortuary Science. At age 19, John joined his father Mario as an apprentice at the M.J. Colucci and Son Funeral Chapel; he became majority owner and manager in 1992. John is active in many trade orgnanizations, as he is a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association, Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association, and the Niagara County Funeral Directors Group. John is involved in many civic and community organizations. He is a former Vice President and Board Member of the Niagara Falls YMCA, a former chairperson of the Niagara University Scholarship Ball, current member of Knights of Columbus Coucil #247, The Cristoforo Colombo Society, Niagara Falls Country Club, and St. Peter's RC Church in Lewiston, NY. John and his wife Nancy live in Lewiston, NY and have one son and 2 granddaughters.
Mario J. Colucci
Licensed Funeral Director / Business Manager
Mario was raised in Lewiston, NY and graduated from Nichols High School in Buffalo, NY in 2003. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from The George Washington University in Washington, DC in 2007, with a Bachelor's of Business Administration with a Dual Concentration in International Business and Finance. He earned his Master's in Business Administration from Niagara University in 2013 with a Dual Concentration in Strategic Management and Human Resources, and was awarded the Outstanding MBA Student of the Year Award in the same year. Working in Investments and Banking for 8 years and gaining invaluable experience, Mario joined M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel in July of 2015, handling Business Management and Building Expansion efforts. In May of 2019, Mario graduated Magna Cum Laude from SUNY Canton with a Bachelor's of Technology in Funeral Service Administration. After his one year residency with M.J. Colucci & Son, he earned his New York State Funeral Director's License in October 2020, becoming the fourth generation of the Colucci family to serve in Funeral Service. In his spare time, Mario enjoys playing hockey, golfing and spending time with his family. Mario and his wife Jillian, as well as their three children, reside in Lewiston, NY.
Mario J. Colucci
Licensed Funeral Director / Business Manager
Mario was raised in Lewiston, NY and graduated from Nichols High School in Buffalo, NY in 2003. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from The George Washington University in Washington, DC in 2007, with a Bachelor's of Business Administration with a Dual Concentration in International Business and Finance. He earned his Master's in Business Administration from Niagara University in 2013 with a Dual Concentration in Strategic Management and Human Resources, and was awarded the Outstanding MBA Student of the Year Award in the same year. Working in Investments and Banking for 8 years and gaining invaluable experience, Mario joined M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel in July of 2015, handling Business Management and Building Expansion efforts. In May of 2019, Mario graduated Magna Cum Laude from SUNY Canton with a Bachelor's of Technology in Funeral Service Administration. After his one year residency with M.J. Colucci & Son, he earned his New York State Funeral Director's License in October 2020, becoming the fourth generation of the Colucci family to serve in Funeral Service. In his spare time, Mario enjoys playing hockey, golfing and spending time with his family. Mario and his wife Jillian, as well as their three children, reside in Lewiston, NY.
Anthony Gruppo
Licensed Funeral Director
Anthony graduated from Williamsville South High School and later attended the State University of New York at Canton, where he served as captain of the men's hockey team. He completed his studies at the historic American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY, and became a licensed funeral director in 2011, following his residency at the M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, where he began his career in 2007. Anthony is an active member of the Niagara County Funeral Directors Association, Erie-Niagara County Funeral Directors Association, and the New York State Funeral Directors Association. He and his wife, Danielle, along with their daughter, Stella, currently reside in Williamsville.
Anthony Gruppo
Licensed Funeral Director
Anthony graduated from Williamsville South High School and later attended the State University of New York at Canton, where he served as captain of the men's hockey team. He completed his studies at the historic American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY, and became a licensed funeral director in 2011, following his residency at the M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, where he began his career in 2007. Anthony is an active member of the Niagara County Funeral Directors Association, Erie-Niagara County Funeral Directors Association, and the New York State Funeral Directors Association. He and his wife, Danielle, along with their daughter, Stella, currently reside in Williamsville.
Ronald A. Hoeflich
Licensed Funeral Director
Ron was born and raised in South Buffalo, NY. He is a 1976 graduate of Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School. He attended Erie Community College and is a 1978 graduate of Simmons School of Mortuary Science. Ron has been a licensed Funeral Director since 1979 and joined M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel in 2016.
Ron is a current member of the Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association and the New York State Funeral Directors Association. He was a softball coach in the Barnabas Athletic Association for twenty-plus years. He can still be seen on the diamonds watching his grandsons playing. Ron is also a member of St. Mary the Assumption Church Lancaster, NY
Ron and his wife Susan live in Lancaster - They have four children and four grandsons. In their leisure time, they enjoy traveling and spending time with their family.
Ronald A. Hoeflich
Licensed Funeral Director
Ron was born and raised in South Buffalo, NY. He is a 1976 graduate of Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School. He attended Erie Community College and is a 1978 graduate of Simmons School of Mortuary Science. Ron has been a licensed Funeral Director since 1979 and joined M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel in 2016.
Ron is a current member of the Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association and the New York State Funeral Directors Association. He was a softball coach in the Barnabas Athletic Association for twenty-plus years. He can still be seen on the diamonds watching his grandsons playing. Ron is also a member of St. Mary the Assumption Church Lancaster, NY
Ron and his wife Susan live in Lancaster - They have four children and four grandsons. In their leisure time, they enjoy traveling and spending time with their family.
Robert A. De Marco
Licensed Funeral Director
Bob was born and raised in Niagara Falls. He received his New York State Funeral Directors License in 1984. He is a retired police lieutenant from the Niagara Falls Police Department retiring in 2010. Upon his retirement he joined M. J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.
Bob is lifetime member of Prince of Peace Church and its successor St. Vincent de Paul Parish. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 247 and Niagara Assembly 476, the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada and the Niagara Falls Retired Police Officers Association. He also belongs to the Nickel City Splash U.S. Masters Swimming Team.
Bob and his wife, the former Michelle Lingenfelter, live in Niagara Falls with their two daughters. In his leisure time, Bob, who is a 2007 SUNY at Buffalo graduate with a degree in history, enjoys working on his family genealogy and local historical research.
Robert A. De Marco
Licensed Funeral Director
Bob was born and raised in Niagara Falls. He received his New York State Funeral Directors License in 1984. He is a retired police lieutenant from the Niagara Falls Police Department retiring in 2010. Upon his retirement he joined M. J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.
Bob is lifetime member of Prince of Peace Church and its successor St. Vincent de Paul Parish. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 247 and Niagara Assembly 476, the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada and the Niagara Falls Retired Police Officers Association. He also belongs to the Nickel City Splash U.S. Masters Swimming Team.
Bob and his wife, the former Michelle Lingenfelter, live in Niagara Falls with their two daughters. In his leisure time, Bob, who is a 2007 SUNY at Buffalo graduate with a degree in history, enjoys working on his family genealogy and local historical research.
Candace D. Hawkins
Licensed Funeral Director
Candace was born in Kingman, AZ and lived in various places throughout the Southwest growing up. She graduated from Kern Valley High School in Lake Isabella, CA, and became the first in her family to pursue a career in funeral service at the age of 20. She graduated from Arapahoe Community College in Denver, CO, completing their mortuary science program in 2015 and earning licensure as both an Embalmer and Funeral Director in California. She relocated to Western New York in 2016, and became a New York Licensed Funeral Director in 2018. She joined M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel in April 2023.
Candace lives in West Seneca, NY with her son and pets. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, running, and agility training with her dogs. She also enjoys traveling and visiting her family in California and New Mexico as often as she can.
Meegan Rotella
Administration & Business Office Manager
Joseph Rulli
Funeral Associate
Frank Eugeni, Jr.
Funeral Associate
Michael Kachurek
Funeral Associate
Frank Rotella
Funeral Associate
Al Hornung
Funeral Associate
Marisa Religa
Funeral Associate
Anthony 'Tony' Sicurella
Funeral Associate
Maria Vitello
Funeral Associate
Karen LoStracco
Housekeeping Director
Warren Davidson
Facilities Management
Rick 'Tarp' Tarapczynski
Maintenance & Funeral Associate (Decd. 2020)
Rick was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and served in the United States Marines. He was employed as the director of maintenance and funeral associate of the M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel since 1998, and also worked at the Days Inn in Niagara Falls for several years.
Rick loved spending time with his family, especially during the holidays, special celebrations or while camping. His sense of humor, gift of gab and quick-witted way will never be forgotten by his family and friends and co-workers who will miss him dearly. Rick sadly passed away on June 30, 2020 at the age of 70.
Gerald 'Jerry' B. Jansen, Jr.
Licensed Funeral Director (Decd. 2020)
Jerry was a 1984 graduate of Lockport High School and a member of their drum corps. He began working as a Certified Emergency Medical Technician at Professional Ambulance and later at Niagara-Frontier Ambulance in Niagara Falls. He then pursued his dream in becoming a funeral director and went on to obtain his degree in Mortuary Science from SUNY Canton in 1993.
Jerry received his New York State Funeral Directors License in 1994, after serving his residency at Rutland Corwin Funeral Home in Newfane NY, where he was employed for several years. He also provided services to funeral homes throughout Niagara County and took great pride in serving his Lockport community at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home. Jerry joined the staff of M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel in 2008 and provided the utmost care and compassion to countless families until his illness forced him to retire in the Spring of 2020.
Jerry was a member of the Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association, New York State Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. He was also a member of the Lockport Elks Club and past president of the Newfane Lions Club.
Jerry was a charming man with a true zest for life and a heart of gold. He had the ability to light up the room with his unforgettable sense of humor, laughter and smile. Jerry sadly passed away on November 20, 2020 at the age of 55.
