Dr. Ignatius S. Luppino, dentist, Williamsville restaurant owner

Luppino

Dr. Ignatius S. Luppino, 79, of Williamsville, an area dentist and owner of Alice's Kitchen Family Restaurant in Williamsville, died Sunday, June 10, 2007.

Born on the West Side of Buffalo, Dr. Luppino attended Canisius College and graduated from Georgetown University in 1954, where he was the only person to be president of his class for all four years. Dr. Luppino served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On July 3, 1954, he was united in marriage to Maria V. Dacunzo in Buffalo.

Dr. Luppino's college education was interrupted by the Korean conflict. In the Army, he was a medic and on the side, used to cut his classmates' hair to earn extra money. His father was a barber and taught him the trade. He was affectionately called "Iggy" by his classmates.

In 1960, "Iggy" and Maria moved to Washington, D.C., so he could attend dental school. After Dr. Luppino graduated, he returned to Buffalo and operated his own practice in Tonawanda for 42 years, retiring in 2002.

In 1971, the Luppinos moved to Williamsville. Quickly Dr. Luppino became active in many organizations. He was president of the Romulus Club, Greater Buffalo Advertising Club, Eighth District Dental Society, Fonzi Dental Study Club, and Erie County Dental Society; was a member of the American Veterans; and was extremely involved in Meals on Wheels of Buffalo, where he was personally responsible for raising more than $40,000. Dr. Luppino was also a member of St. Gregory the Great Church in Williamsville.

His wife of 48 years, Maria V. Dacunzo Luppino, died in 2002.

Dr. Luppino is survived by a son, James; two daughters, Michele Luppino and Idalynn Mc- Donald; and five grandchildren.

Services were held Thursday, June 14 from Amigone Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial from St. Gregory the Great Church. Contributions may be made in Dr. Luppino's memory to Meals on Wheels Rose Fund.