David Peter Aquino, 78, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023, with his loving family by his side in Buffalo General Hospital.
Born in Niagara Falls, New York on July 9, 1945, David was the son of the late Frederick and Frances (Rizzo) Aquino. He attended local schools graduating from Trott Vocational High School. David married his high school sweetheart, Diane (DiTamaso) Aquino on August 14, 1965 at Sacred Heart Church.
In his younger years, Dave loved spending time working at his family-owned restaurant, The Real Spot. He went on to work at Niagara Concrete and later at Hooker Chemical Plant. But, his love for cars took him down a different path as a successful owner and operator of several Gulf and NSI gas stations, used car dealerships, and later the Fill N Shine Gas Station and Car Wash. Dave later decided to “relax” and became a car salesman at Steve Baldo Ford for several years before he decided to “retire”. He then had the joy of working alongside his longtime friend, Jerry Mahl, who Dave loved and considered family. Each day, Dave had the pleasure of going to Jerry’s Auto to do what he loved best: sell cars.
Dave enjoyed gambling at casinos, going to concerts, watching Bills games, driving his Cadillac, and drinking his Starbucks. But anyone that knows him knows that what he loved most of all was spending time with his family. He loved Sunday dinners, holidays, and yearly trips to Cape Cod most of all. His family will forever treasure those memories. Above all, though, Dave especially loved spending time with the absolute loves of his life, his grandsons, Nickolas and Nino. Whether it be cruising around, watching movies, playing Washers, or just hanging out together, time spent with his guys was the most precious to Dave.
There are some people who are lucky enough to have friends that they consider family. Dave was lucky to have just that. Many of his friends started out as people he knew through his various businesses, but became friends that he called family. He enjoyed spending time with Ronnie Craft, discussing cars, life, and old times. Dave often said that he loved Ronnie like a son. He spent many Saturday mornings having breakfast with his friends of over forty years, Joe Martino and Gary Scarantine, at The Marketside, laughing and sharing stories. Frank and Sharon Lipinski, whose friendship Dave cherished, were Dave and his late wife Diane’s lifelong friends. Dave’s love for these special people ran deep and his family will be eternally grateful for the love they returned to him throughout his life.
In addition to his devoted companion of eighteen years, Nancy Mang, Dave is survived by two daughters; Denise (Eric) Flaim and Debra (Joseph) Armone; grandchildren Nickolas and Nino Flaim; sibling Robert (Rose Marie) Aquino. David is also survived by a niece, nephews, and several cousins. In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by his loving wife in 2005.
A celebration of Dave’s life will take place during a private ceremony with family and Dave’s closest friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
