Carl W.J. Gaal, 84, of Buffalo, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Buffalo General Hospital. Born in Buffalo, he was the son of the late Albert and Martha (Willet) Gaal; and husband of the late Barbara ‘Babett’ E. (Richards) Gaal.
Carl was raised in Buffalo where he attended local schools and graduated from Bennett High School in 1958. In 1968, he founded the Niagara Driving School, lovingly referred to as the “Happy Driving School.” For years, this cherished institution stood as a pillar of the Niagara Falls community, teaching countless individuals to navigate life on the road. He later retired in 2018 after 50 years of dedication.
Carl formerly hosted an internet radio show and will be remembered dearly for his great sense of humor. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan, and also enjoyed bowling in his younger years.
Carl is survived by his two children, Curt N. (Carlotta) Gaal and Tracy Wilcox; his granddaughters, Grace and Allisia; his great-granddaughter, Emmie, as well as five other grandchildren and nine other great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 21 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Visitation will continue Saturday, March 22 from 12 – 1 PM, followed by Carl’s funeral services at 1:00 PM. Interment will be held privately in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo, 225 Como Park Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14227. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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Visitation
Friday, March 21, 2025
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Visitation
Friday, March 21, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Visitation
Saturday, March 22, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Saturday, March 22, 2025
1:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
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