Former Canisius professor Father Joseph M. Gariolo, died April 7, 2019, at the age of 95. He had served as a Barnabite for 69 years.

Born Giuseppe Gariuolo in Stigliano, Italy, on March 6, 1924, the son of Francesantonio and Maria (Iannicella) Gariuolo entered the Barnabite minor seminary in Italy at age 13.

His novitiate began in 1942 at San Felice a Cancello, Italy. World War II bombings forced his class to vacate the area and move north to Monza. He then attended the Barnabite Seminary in Rome. He was ordained April 8, 1950.

His first assignment was as a missionary in Argentina. There, he earned a master's degree in Spanish and became a high school teacher.

Father Gariolo came to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston in 1969. While serving there, he studied at the University at Buffalo earning a double Ph.D. in Spanish and Italian Literature. He went on to teach at Wells College in Aurora, Rosary Hill College (now Daemen) in Amherst, Erie Community College, Buffalo State College and Canisius College in Buffalo. He retired in 2008 for health reasons.

Father Gariolo also served as administrator for SS. Columba-Brigid Parish in Buffalo and worked with the Diocese of Buffalo's Hispanic Apostolate. He also authored numerous books and articles.

Father Gariolo is predeceased by his parents and seven sisters.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at SS. Columba-Brigid Parish in Buffalo. Burial followed at the Barnabite Cemetery at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine.