Obituary of Tommy Cowan

Tommy Cowan, born and raised in South Buffalo, passed away unexpectedly on May 6th. Tommy was one of the most caring and generous people you could ever meet. At Tommy’s table everyone was welcome. Tommy was a well known Buffalo restauranteur, He achieved his dream through hard work and grand ideas that blossomed. His attention to detail was second to none. He started off young working at some franchise locations, then moved on to SoHo and to build City Tavern. He even opened a gourmet hot dog stand downtown, the first of its kind. He had foresight and an ability to think outside the box which led to his current businesses, Forty Thieves in the Elmwood Village and Doc Sullivans in the heart of South Buffalo. At Doc’s he built on longstanding neighborhood tradition. He often provided job opportunities to those that were down on their luck. He believed every team member brought something to the table. Tommy learned to appreciate the best in people from his parents Tom and Libby Sciandra Cowan who raised him in South Buffalo with his sisters Erin (Brian) McElroy and Kristen (Patrick) Lalley. Growing up in the neighborhood helped to create the person he became and allowed him to be the “Funcle” to Anna, Maddie, Andrew and Aidan. Tommy’s friends are his brothers and sisters. Through thick and thin they became his extended family. Over the course of his 44 years he gathered an army of friends and admirers. Tommy always had tremendous admiration for those who served their country and community. He never missed an opportunity to support the military, police, fire and first responders. He will always be the best guy we know, There will be a wake held at Cannan Funeral Home in Orchard Park on Thursday May 9th from 4-8pm. A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at Our Lady of Victory Basilica on Friday May 10th at 10:30am. Please assemble at church. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Tommy’s memory to Feed More WNY (feedmorewny.org). Tommy always wanted everyone to feel welcome at the table.