John I. Lauria; MD

Surrounded by his loving wife and children, John Ignatius Lauria of Elma New York died on October 22 at the age of 88. He was born at home, the West Side of Buffalo, on May 1, 1935 to Joseph and Christina Lauria. Joseph, his father, was an immigrant from Sicily and opened Lauria Collision in 1918. John was the youngest of five children. His late brothers Joe (Theresa) Lauria and Tom (Virginia) Lauria took over Lauria Collision in 1969 after the death of their father. John’s older sisters, the late Mary Chimera and the late Caroline Nigro, along with his brothers and large extended family were a big part of his life. John graduated from Buffalo’s Lafayette High School and went to University of Buffalo for college. He was accepted to UB Medical School during his 3rd year of college, and loved to joke that he was a college drop out. After a year in otolaryngology, he switched to anesthesia. John became the chair of anesthesia for the University of Buffalo, and later in his career was the chair at Sister’s of Charity Hospital. He started the first CRNA program in Buffalo. He was active in the American Society of Anesthesiologists and was known for his excellent clinical skills and superb teaching. He touched the lives of many young physicians. John was also a born story teller. In his early career, while stationed in Florida as chief medical officer and Lieutenant in the US Navy, he vaccinated the entire naval base with an early version of the flu vaccine, which was a bit more virulent than anticipated. He loved to laughingly tell the story, about how he explained to the commanding officer why the entire naval base had come down with the flu. John loved to sail, hunt and fish. Opening day of bass season was always a big party. He made beautiful furniture for his family in his basement work shop and also built and flew model airplanes. His time at his second home in Crystal Beach was always special. John had a brilliant mind, big heart and vivacious personality. John leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Elizabeth Lauria and his cherished step daughter Michele Mitchell. He is also survived by his three children: Michele Lauria, Susan Lauria and Joseph (Deborah) Lauria; as well as his grandchildren: Lauria, Alexandra and Lillian Clarke; Mychaela and Maria Lauria and John and Joseph Giambalvo as well as many nieces and nephews. Family will be present Friday 3-7 PM at WOOD FUNERAL HOME, 784 Main St., East Aurora, where a Funeral Service will be held Saturday 9 AM.