Prominent local businessman, Mark Croce – one of two killed in a helicopter crash in Pennsylvania

The news has stunned and saddened Western New Yorkers this morning – prominent businessman, Mark Croce was killed in a helicopter crash in Pennsylvania Thursday evening.

The Buffalo business man who owns Curtiss Hotel, Chop House, Statler City and many other businesses was well known in the area.

The helicopter, flown by Croce and his passenger Michael Capriotto, both of Orchard Park, crashed in Pennsylvania around 8:30 PM Thursday. Nobody else was hurt in the accident.

The helicopter crashed into the backyard of a home.

Michael Capriotto, 63, or Orchard Park was also killed in the crash. Croce was 58 years old.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Croce has been building in Buffalo for decades and is being remembered by many.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown remembered Croce this morning, “I am deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of my dear friend Mark Croce. As owner of the Buffalo Chophouse, the Curtiss Hotel and Statler City, Mark was a big part of our downtown resurgence, adding jobs for residents and creating destinations that have brought many visitors to the City of #Buffalo. His presence will be sorely missed. Please join me in sending prayers of comfort to his family and many friends.”

https://www.facebook.com/MayorByronBrown/posts/10157084193954065

https://www.facebook.com/ECSONY1/posts/2750302758398150

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office also remembering the businessman, “The ECSO lost a valuable member of our Reserve Scientific Staff last night with the tragic death of Mark Croce. Mark first served on the Reserve Aviation Unit and has served the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and this community admirably. This is a loss for our community.”

Fellow Buffalo businessman, Russ Salvatore also posted about his friend, “My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Mark Croce condolences to his family he was an innovator and the community has lost a good man.”

https://www.facebook.com/russells.steaks.chops.and.more/posts/10215685997650894