Dr. Sebastian S. Fasanello

Sebastian Salvatore Fasanello, M.D., November 9,1935 - June 15, 2026, was born and raised on the west side of Buffalo, New York, the beloved son of Vincent and Giovanina Fasanello. He grew up alongside his brother, Anthony, and his sister, Claudette, in a close-knit family that nurtured his remarkable talents and strong sense of purpose.

A child prodigy, Sebastian displayed extraordinary musical gifts from an early age and devoted himself to the piano. At just 13 years old, he made his debut with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, an achievement that reflected his exceptional talent and dedication. His musical accomplishments earned him the opportunity to study at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music.

Although music was his first passion, Sebastian ultimately chose a life of service through medicine. He attended Canisius College, where he participated in the ROTC program, and went on to earn his medical degree from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1962.

Following medical school, Dr. Fasanello pursued additional training and was granted a deferment of his military commitment in order to further his medical education. While completing his training at Meyer Memorial Hospital, he entered active military service on July 1, 1964. In May 1965, he served honorably in the Dominican Republic as a Captain in the United States Army.

Upon returning from military service, Dr. Fasanello completed his residency in psychiatry and began a distinguished career dedicated to helping others. He maintained a private psychiatric practice in Williamsville, New York, for many years and was actively involved with the Alcohol Treatment unit at BryLin Hospital. Early in his career, he worked part-time at Father Baker's/Baker Victory Services, where he discovered a calling that would become one of the most meaningful parts of his professional life. He eventually joined the organization full-time and remained there until retiring in his early eighties. Of all his professional accomplishments, He cherished his work with children and young adults, whose lives he touched with compassion, patience, and unwavering support.

In August 1959, Sebastian married the love of his life, Joellen Fasanello. Together they built a home filled with love, faith, laughter, and devotion to family. He is survived by his wife JoEllen, his sons Vincent (Donna) Fasanello, Michael (Sharon) Fasanello, Sebastian (Margot Watt) Fasanello, Christopher Fasanello and his daughter Ellen Mahoney. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father whose wisdom, kindness, and steady presence shaped the lives of his family.

He was blessed to be an integral part of the lives of his 13 grandchildren and was a proud great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren, with an eighth eagerly anticipated. He treasured every opportunity to share in their joys, milestones, and accomplishments.

Outside of his profession, Sebastian found great happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved his home, cultivated beautiful gardens, baked breads , enjoyed sailing with JoEllen and family, and traveled extensively throughout the world. These passions were not solitary pursuits but experiences he delighted in sharing with his family, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Those who knew Sebastian remember a gracious, generous, and deeply respected man whose accomplishments never diminished his humility. Above all else, he was most proud of his family, whose love, character, and successes brought him his greatest joy and deepest sense of fulfillment. He possessed a rare combination of brilliance and kindness, and he approached life with gratitude, curiosity, and genuine concern for others.

He will be greatly missed every day. Yet his presence remains in the small joys he taught us to appreciate—a beautiful garden, time spent with family, beautiful music, playing the piano, a journey shared, a simple act of kindness. Through these moments and through the countless lives he touched, his legacy endures.