Obituary of George Kappelt

George F. Kappelt, II passed away June 10, 2012 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst. Born June 7, 1952 in Buffalo he was the son of George F. and Mary Frances (Servoss) Kappelt, I. George was raised on his family's farm in Lockport and attended DeSales High School and graduated with honors from Ithaca College earning his B.S. in Political Science. From 1974 to 1983, George owned McGillicuty's Emporium, a popular neighborhood bar on Bailey Avenue in Buffalo. When McGillicuty's closed, George studied travel and tourism and worked for many years at Northtown Travel and enjoyed traveling around the world. He left the travel business to work with his parents on their family farm in the heart of Niagara County's wine country. George was also involved with the U.S. Tennis Association. He was a large supporter and sponsor of the World University Games. In 2001, George was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder. He became very involved with the International Aplastic Anemia and MDS Foundation, dedicating himself to research initiatives to improve treatment options and health outcomes for MDS patients. Through his own research George learned of the dangers of produce that is genetically modified and grown with pesticides and soon became a staunch advocate for organic farming. In 2005 after his parents passed away, George sold the family farm, retaining 25 acres for himself which he named Flavor Farm specializing in heirloom tomatoes, rare hot peppers, and delicate micro greens. His own illness inspired him to tend his crops with extreme care for the plants, soil, and the environment surrounding the farm. For years he sold his produce at area farmers' markets and local restaurants, and was a leader in the growing movement among Western New York restaurants to offer locally grown, fresh and natural ingredients. He was active in the development of the Niagara County Wine Trail and Buffalo's urban farming movement. In February of 2012 he was appointed by the Niagara County Legislature to its Environmental Management Council. George is survived by his sister Kathleen (Richard) Dahmer of West Seneca, his dear friend Cathy Donohue and also several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 16 at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Cemetery in Medina. A celebration of George's life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Donations to the Aplastics Anemia Foundation, 100 Park Ave., Suite 108, Rockwell, MD 20850 would be appreciated. Visit www.pruddenandkandt.com. <h3>Services</h3> A celebration of George's life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. <h3>Interment</h3> Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 16 at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Cemetery in Medina.