In January, we said goodbye to Lou Vaccaro, one of the founding visionaries and guiding forces behind Kenmore Development. His unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity left an indelible mark on the company, his community, and the many lives he touched. His legacy is one of hard work, integrity, and an unshakable commitment to those he loved.

A Humble Beginning

Louis Anthony Vaccaro was born in 1948 on the East Side of Buffalo to Margaret and Dominic Vaccaro. From a young age, Lou demonstrated a tireless work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit that would shape his future. He was not the kind of child who simply followed the status quo—he sought out every opportunity to work, learn, and grow.

His first taste of business came through small but meaningful ventures. He helped out at his uncle’s pizzeria in Buffalo’s Old First Ward, learning the value of service and responsibility. He also took up washing cars for extra money, always looking for ways to earn and save.

At just ten years old, Lou decided to take on a paper route. But he didn’t just deliver newspapers—he approached it like a businessman, buying up other kids’ routes in hopes of increasing his profits. By adolescence, he was spending three to four hours each day after school delivering papers, a routine that instilled in him the discipline and perseverance that would later define his career.

Building a Future

At fifteen, Lou started working at Millard Fillmore Hospital in the maintenance department. He later transitioned to the hospital’s kitchen, where fate would introduce him to his future wife, Emily. The two worked side by side preparing and setting up meals for patients. Their shared experience in those early years created a deep bond, one that would continue to grow throughout their college years and beyond.

While working, Lou pursued his education with the same determination he brought to every aspect of his life. He attended Bryant & Stratton for two years before transferring to the University at Buffalo for his junior year. Even as a full-time student, he continued to juggle multiple jobs, working at the Carborundum factory and the Ford plant to support himself.

His summers were just as busy. He held positions at Tops Market and a local nursery, saving every penny he could. Lou was never one to shy away from hard work. Every job, no matter how small, contributed to the foundation of knowledge, experience, and discipline that would serve him throughout his life.

A Passion for Cars

Lou’s hard work paid off in many ways, but one of his greatest joys was the freedom to indulge in his love of cars. As soon as he got his driver’s license, he bought his first car—a 1952 Thunderbird convertible. Over the years, his passion grew, and he became an avid Corvette collector, at times owning as many as four at once.

His prized possession was a beautifully restored 1961 red Corvette, a vehicle he and Emily often showcased at car shows. But Lou wasn’t one to keep his treasures to himself—he found greater joy in sharing them with family and friends, frequently lending out his cars for others to enjoy. His generosity extended beyond material things; it was a fundamental part of who he was.

Despite his love for classic cars, Lou’s everyday vehicle of choice was practical and unassuming. One of the most memorable was an old yellow Chevy Blazer, which he used for plowing Kenmore Development’s properties. His focus was never on luxury—it was on getting the job done.

The Birth of Kenmore Development

After graduating from college, Lou accepted a job at National Fuel, but his entrepreneurial drive pushed him to seek additional opportunities. It was through a part-time job with Jack Hunt that his future in real estate began to take shape.

Jack ran a successful business buying and selling comic books and collectible magazines. Initially, he operated out of his home, but as the business grew, he and Lou decided to reinvest their profits into real estate. Their first purchase was a four-unit building, a modest beginning that would soon evolve into something far greater.

With each new investment, their expertise and vision expanded. Over time, they acquired and managed more properties, eventually forming what is now known as Kenmore Development. Today, the company owns and operates 20 different locations across Western New York, with its headquarters based in the historic Eberhardt Mansion at the corner of Delaware and Kenmore Avenue.

Lou took great pride in building something that not only provided for his family but also created opportunities for employees, tenants, and the community. He was more than a businessman—he was a mentor and a leader who believed in the power of hard work, loyalty, and generosity.

A Family Man

While Lou’s professional achievements were remarkable, his greatest pride and joy came from his family. He and Emily built a life filled with love, dedication, and shared experiences. Together, they raised four children and were later blessed with three grandchildren.

Every summer, Lou and Emily, along with some of their children and their spouses, traveled to Italy to visit extended family. These trips were a cherished tradition, strengthening their cultural roots and deepening their connections with loved ones overseas.

As devoted parishioners of St. Mark’s, Lou and Emily were active in their church community, always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it was volunteering, supporting local initiatives, or simply being there for friends and neighbors, they embodied the spirit of generosity.

Lou and his family also shared a love of running. Whether participating in local races or simply running for leisure, they enjoyed the time spent together, creating lasting memories along the way.

A Leader and a Mentor

Despite his high-ranking position at Kenmore Development, Lou remained approachable and humble. He believed in leading by example, always being the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave. His leadership style was rooted in dedication and authenticity—he valued hard work over perfection and saw challenges as opportunities for growth.

Lou never sought recognition or prestige. His simple wardrobe of cargo shorts and t-shirts—often promoting a friend or family member’s business—reflected his down-to-earth nature. He cared far more about building something meaningful than accumulating personal wealth.

He was also fiercely loyal. If you demonstrated integrity and dedication, he would support you wholeheartedly. Many employees, colleagues, and friends benefited from his mentorship and generosity, and his impact continues to resonate in the lives of those he guided.

A Lasting Legacy

Lou Vaccaro’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, perseverance, and generosity. He built Kenmore Development from the ground up, not just as a business, but as a community—a place where employees, tenants, and partners felt valued and supported.

He was a man who believed in doing the right thing, even when no one was watching. His dedication to his work, his family, and his community set an example that will endure for generations to come.

Lou’s presence is deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in the company he built, the lives he touched, and the countless memories he created with those who knew him. He was the heart and soul of Kenmore Development, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Lou’s impact was felt by so many—family, friends, colleagues, and the community he helped build. Those who knew him best have shared their heartfelt reflections, offering a glimpse into the kind, hardworking, and generous man he was. Here are a few words from those whose lives he touched.