Catherine M. "Kitty" Hart

Catherine M. "Kitty" Hart (Fiore) April 24, 2022. Devoted mother of Glenn (Jacqueline) Hart; loving grandmother of Lauren and Jonathan; cherished sister of Patricia Fiore; survived by extended family and many dear friends. No prior visitation. Family will be present to receive guests at 9:30AM on Saturday May 7 at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church, 157 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga, 14215, where Kitty's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM. Private interment in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. If desired, donations in Kitty's name may be made to the St. Jude Center, 760 Ellicott St., Buffalo, 14203 or Hospice Buffalo. Kitty will be remembered for her strong faith in God, love for her family, her community leadership and successful banking career. Online condolences may be offered at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com

“Kitty” had a 42-year career in banking at Bank of America (formerly Fleet, Norstar and Liberty Banks) in Buffalo, NY. She began her career in 1963 as a teller and worked her way through every aspect of branch and retail banking management, up to Vice President and Sr. Relationship Manager in the Private Clients Group. In 1989, she was hand-picked by the then Regional President of Fleet Bank to form and lead their “private bank” division. It was Kitty’s exemplary and distinguished sales background and success building partnerships with her clients that made her the perfect choice to create this group and to be a mentor for colleagues servicing prominent clients with a wide array of financial services.

As a female professional in our community, Kitty demonstrated her commitment and leadership not only at the bank, but also in the Western New York Community. She volunteered and served on many boards. Kitty served each with the drive, determination, and leadership to succeed. And often, she was the first woman chosen to be a leader. She was one of the first women chosen to be a Vice President and Manager at the bank and was also the first female Vice Chair in the history of the Canisius College Business Advisory Council. She received many awards and accolades during her career, including the Richard A. Schick Award from the Canisius College Wehle School of Business, she was a Buffalo Business First Athena Award Nominee, an Honorary Member of the Canisius College Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, received Leadership Awards from both Buffalo General Hospital and Kaleida Health, was awarded the Lay award of St. Joseph the Worker from the Diocese of Buffalo, and the Chairman's Excellence Award from Bank of America.

Kitty was a groundbreaker. Never afraid to face a challenge head on, she approached her personal life as a single mother and her professional career as an accomplished leader with the same determination. The Catholic Church was a central focus in her life, and she was an active member of her parish communities at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church (now closed) and most recently, the St. Jude Center, where for many years, she successfully led their annual fundraising events. Our community was continually the beneficiary of her infectious enthusiastic spirit. Organizations and board memberships included the Wehle School of Business at Canisius College, the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, National Conference for Community Justice, Life Transitions and Hospice Bereavement Center, Vicariate of Central Buffalo of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Millard Fillmore Ambulatory Surgery Center, Kaleida Health Foundation, and Bornhava School.

Upon her retirement in 2005, Kitty continued to volunteer within the community and her Church, as well as embraced her role as a new Grandmother, spending quality time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed vacationing and dining with family and friends, as well as the occasional visit to the casino. Kitty attended numerous theatre productions in Buffalo, Toronto, and New York City, and was a season ticket holder at Shea's Performing Arts.