Obituary of Cynthia G. Pusateri

Cynthia “Cindy” Grinnell Pusateri passed away on October 18, 2022, under the care of her loving family and Niagara Hospice. She was born on June 18, 1940, in Olean, NY, to Charles and Annabel (Lindke) Grinnell.

A 1958 graduate of Royalton-Hartland Central High School, Cindy spread her wings at Michigan State University, participating in theater, the dance team and Kappa Delta sorority, as she earned a bachelor’s degree in business. Cindy then moved to New York City to begin her career as a fashion buyer for Lord & Taylor. Her desire to be closer to family brought her to Lockport, NY, where she married William “Bill” Pusateri and has lived since 1963. Cindy gracefully balanced work in retail and then banking while being a loving mom to her children, Gregory and Dana. She retired as manager of HSBC bank in Middleport, NY.  

In her spare time, Cindy nurtured her green thumb by beautifying her home inside and out with lush plants and colorful flower gardens. She was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan, attending games for 20 years and completing a “Women in Football” class taught by Coach Marv Levy.

Upon retirement, Cindy pursued her passion for animals by rescuing cats, volunteering as a docent at the Buffalo Zoo and visiting area elementary schools to educate children on diverse species and conservation. She became the zoo’s Volunteer of the Year in 2012. She also toured Europe, South America, Africa, Madagascar and the Galapagos Islands to experience the fascinating cultures and indigenous wildlife. Never one to remain idle, Cindy always sought out continuous exploration and learning opportunities.

Cindy joins her beloved parents, sister, Gayle (Grinnell) Hutchins and grandson, Mason Denberg, in Heaven. She is survived by her husband, Bill, sister, Marilyn (Grinnell) Hazzard, son, Greg (Judy) Pusateri, daughter, Dana (Adam) Denberg, her grandchildren, Ryan and Reece Denberg, Kaylee, Kaycee and Katherine Pusateri, and many nephews, nieces and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 24 from 3-6pm at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 25 at 10am at St. John the Baptist Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. Interment will be at Cold Springs Cemetery in Lockport. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Niagara Hospice or the Buffalo Zoo in Cindy’s honor.