Obituary of Gerald DeFlippo 

Gerald R. "Jerry" DeFlippo entered into rest May 20, 2026. Born November 6, 1939 he was the son of the late Dominck and Barbara (Camarre) DeFlippo. Jerry graduated from Desales High School and was in the first graduating class of Niagara County Community College Culinary Institute.  Jerry was very proud to serve in the US Army from 1962-64 where he received commendations for Marksman (Rifle M14) and Marksman (MG-M60).

He served as Manager, then Co-Owner with his wife Joan from 1977-2004, of his historic family established Italian restaurant and boutique hotel. He consistently cultivated a generational-friendly environment, while maintaining high memorable dining experiences for all guests. He routinely enhanced the menu, created specialties and ensured the business operated to the satisfaction from all his customers.

During Jerry's political career he served as Niagara County Legislator for 4 Years and served on numerous committees. He served as the Common Council President for the City of Lockport for 2 Years, was an 8th Ward Alderman from 1983-1991, served on the Lockport Police Board, the Lockport Cable Commission Member for 12 Years, was Past Member and Chairman of City of Lockport Finance Committee, City of Lockport Republican Committee, Human Resources Committee for Niagara County, County Finance Committee Member, Chairman of Downtown Business Association for 4 Years, Chairman of the Taste of Lockport for 4 Years, past County Parks Committee Chairman for 2 Years and was the past Chairman of the Lockport Housing Board for a total service of 10 years.

Some of Jerry's accomplishments were he assisted in establishing 8th Ward Neighborhood Watch Program, initiated Cable TV programming for Common Council meetings, Assisted Corsons Manufacturing and Kohler Machine to obtain financing for expansions, initiated establishment of John Henry Park, sought enhancements for Niagara County and City of Lockport Tourism, including: Assisted in obtaining $5000 grant for Flight of 5 historic locks, retained a grant for downtown Lockport business decorations and improvements.

He helped secure a grant funding for Children's Memorial Park, assisted NC Economic Development Director Sam Ferraro establish the bike path through the City of Lockport, was involved in development of Richmond Avenue as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee: Helped develop a Racial and Ethnic Discrimination Policy and Handbook for all Niagara County employees, established a Drug Free Workforce Policy, streamlined Civil Service processing with new computer and software programs and was instrumental in obtaining a new contract for Niagara County Deputies.

He also assisted with expediting Prospect Street Bridge reconstruction - ahead of NYS plans and worked with the Planning and Development Committee to control taxes and kept the line of 0% increase in property taxes and while maintaining good paying jobs in the community for all residents.

Jerry was a member of St. Anthony's Parish, Parish Council, Holy Name Society and St. Mary's Parish Council. He was past President and Life Member of Sunrise Optimist Club, past Officer of Lockport Jaycees, Chairman of Eastern Niagara Hospital annual Golf Tournament for 11 years, past Cubmaster and past Committee Chairman of Boy Scout Trooр 82, a member of the Board of Directors for Iroquois Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America, member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, B. Leo Dolan American Legion Post, Lockport Lodge #41 of the Elks, Life Member of the VFW and a Minister of Holy Communion

DeFlippo's Restaurant won the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Owner of the Year Award in 2004 and Jerry was Jaycee of the Year in1983. He was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan, loved Elvis, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond and the 50's and 60's rock and roll. He and Joanie hosted many bus excursions to games and trips to the Caribbean. Although not a NY Yankee fan he loved Mickey Mantle. He was a people person to the fullest and loved the holidays, especially Christmas where he was well known in his professionally made Santa suit. When Jerry wasn't in the kitchen, you could always find him in the dining room talking to customers, handing out sports cards to the kids or sharing his fathers quotes. He will be sadly missed.

Jerry was predeceased by beloved wife Joan. He is the beloved father of Gina (Alan) Marciano, Dominick, Joseph (Sarah) Thomas (Jean) and the late David Ray DeFlippo. Cherished grandfather Michael, Dominick, Rosa, Isabela, Alexa, Grace and Joseph. Dear brother of Donna Kay DeFlippo, Norma (Donald) Rider, Nancy (late Joe) Perri, Billy (Linda) Vaughn and the late Barbara (Charles) Poyfair, Florence Millison and Constance (Donald) Pahl. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and dear friend Mark Siuta.

Friends may call Tuesday May 26, 2026 at the Taylor & Reynolds Funeral Home, 70 Niagara Street from 2-4 & 6-8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday May 27, at St. John's the Baptist Church at 10:00 am. Entombment in Glenwood Mausoleum.