BUFFALO, N.Y. — The West Side community is grieving the loss of John A. Brands Jr., affectionately known by many as Dominic Santasiero, who passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 63.
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John was the beloved son of the late Phyllis Santasiero and a proud steward of his family’s enduring legacy. For years, he carried forward the tradition of operating Santasiero’s Restaurant, the landmark eatery that has stood as a cornerstone of Buffalo’s West Side for generations.
More than just a restaurant, Santasiero’s was a gathering place for neighbors, friends, and families — a place where hearty meals, laughter, and community spirit came together. Under John’s care, the establishment remained a cherished part of Buffalo’s cultural fabric, serving as both a reminder of the past and a place where new memories were created daily.
News of his passing has deeply saddened patrons and community members alike. “It feels like the end of an era,” one longtime customer shared. “John wasn’t just running a restaurant; he was carrying on a family tradition that meant so much to this neighborhood. Santasiero’s was always more than food — it was family.”
In recent days, a post on John’s Facebook page confirmed that Santasiero’s Restaurant will remain closed until further notice. The announcement has sparked an outpouring of condolences and heartfelt memories from those who frequented the beloved West Side landmark.
Friends and family remember John not only as a dedicated businessman but also as a warm and welcoming figure who made everyone feel at home. His pride in his family’s heritage was evident in everything he did, from maintaining the traditions of the kitchen to keeping alive the sense of community that Santasiero’s has symbolized for decades.
While the closure of the restaurant has left many uncertain about its future, John’s legacy of hospitality, tradition, and community connection will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public. For now, the West Side mourns the loss of one of its own — a man whose life was woven into the story of Buffalo itself.
“Rest in peace, John,” another supporter wrote. “You gave us more than meals; you gave us memories that will last a lifetime.”