Russell L. Certo
Jul-23-2025Certo, Russell L., 95 of Grand Island, died July 23, 2025. Born in Niagara Falls, predeceased by beloved wife, Fayne McManus of Buffalo. He served 2 years in Military Intelligence Service during the Korean Conflict. A graduate of SUNY Cortland and Canisius College. He was an educator in the Kenmore-Tonawanda School District for 45 years and a swimming and football official throughout WNY for 30 years. Survived by his children Daneen Gallagher, Russell A. Certo, Jeffrey Certo, and Thomas Certo, along with 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Friends may call Sunday July 27, 5-7 pm at Kaiser Funeral Home 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 am Monday, July 28, 2025, St. Stephens Church, Grand Island.
Dear Certo family, It saddens me deeply to learn of the passing of your father. It was an extreme pleasure to call him my colleague and a great honor to call him my friend. I have so many wonderful memories of working with him, golfing with him, and most importantly, just talking to him and learning from him. Russ was clearly a very classy human being. May God grant Russ eternal rest and peace and may He bless your entire family. Humanity lost a great one.
JohnNoworyta
Jul-27-2025 | Gilbert, AZ | FriendMr Certo was my 8th grade social studies teacher in 1962. I specifically remember him keeping us appraised of what was happening during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Enjoyed his teaching style very much. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
JimHubbard
Jul-27-2025 | Amherst , NY | FriendSend Condolence
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