Robert J. Lascola MD

Robert John Lascola, MD (1935 – 2025) passed away peacefully on October 16 in Buffalo, NY. He was Bob to his friends but Robert or Amore to his wife Teresa. Robert was born on April 12, 1935 on the West Side of Buffalo where he grew up. He was a graduate of Canisius High School, where he was in the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Knights of the Blessed Sacrament. Robert was also a class officer and a member of the debating society. He was passionate and talented in sports. He was a starting tailback on the Canisius successful football team where he played Jr. varsity in his first two years and varsity his last two years. He also played baseball, and ran track. He earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1958 and his medical degree from the University of Bologna School of Medicine and Surgery in 1962. He completed his residency in general surgery at the University of Buffalo and served his country as a Junior Medical officer initially at the Navy base in Portsmouth and then on the U.S.S. Intrepid.

Robert then returned to Buffalo where he practiced general surgery for over 4 decades. He was on the medical staff of the Millard Fillmore Gates and Suburban Hospitals, St. Joseph and Buffalo General Hospital. Robert was a skilled general surgeon and passionate physician whose care for his patients was reciprocated by their appreciation. More often than not, nights out at a restaurant and even trips to the grocery store were punctuated by greetings and thanks. His passion for surgery included being at the forefront of the practice of new techniques, including being one of the first surgeons in Western New York to use laparoscopy for surgical procedures. He also treasured mentoring and teaching countless medical students, residents, and fellows through his affiliation with the University of Buffalo’s Jacob School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Passion and intensity of feeling were Robert’s most defining characteristics. He was never one to offer a tepid opinion, whether regarding his pride and love for his family and friends, his interests in wine collecting, playing tennis and golf, cheering for the Bills, or discussing politicians, artists, and other public figures. He did not wait for life to happen to him; he knew what he wanted and had an amazing ability to achieve his goals. His approach to life was often startling on a first encounter, but those who came to know him loved him even more for his candor, honesty, and great sense of humor. Only those closest to him would ever know of his remarkable innate talent at drawing, which informed his appreciation of the arts, movies, and music.

Bob is survived by his wife, Teresa Quattrin; his children Robert Jr. (June), Christopher (Laura), and Kara Lascola (Stuart); grandchildren August, Sebastian, Isobel, and Graeme; sister Marie (late Robert) Sanderson; and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Sara (Pieri) Lascola, siblings Mae De Francis, August and Joseph Lascola.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday, December 6th, 11:30am at St. Mary's RC Church, 6919 Transit Rd., Swormville, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who knew Robert to consider making a memorial contribution in his name to the Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo or the University at Buffalo “Aging, Alzheimer Disease, and Memory Fund”.