Nina A. (nee Insana) Tortorice, Born August 3, 1946, entered into eternal rest June 9, 2025, a Grand Island, resident. Beloved wife of Samuel R. Tortorice for 57 years. Loving mother of Kimberly Dynko and Nicole (Jeffrey) Sullivan. Proud Nana to her grandchildren Ryan Dynko, Sophia Sullivan and Zachary Sullivan who were her pride and joy, and deceased Brooke Dynko and Kyle Dynko. Daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary (nee Provenziano) Insana. Dearest sister-in-law of Joyce (Charles) Dean. Also survived by many cousins and godchildren. Nina was born and raised on the west side of Buffalo, where she attended Public School 73 and attended Grover Cleveland High School. After college graduation, Nina immediately began her teaching career at St. Florian Catholic Elementary School in Buffalo. While Sam was in the service, Nina taught at schools on the bases of Ft. Knox, Kentucky and Ft. Benning, Georgia. Nina returned to teach at St. Florian until she left to raise her children. She worked part time at Tops Friendly Markets as a baker and cashier, and occasionally helped at Jack and Jill Community Preschool on Grand Island. In 1988, Nina took over as its Director and Teacher until she retired to take care of her dad. Nina was a Daughter, Wife, Mother, Nana, Teacher and Treasured friend. Nina accomplished all these roles with love and a passion for life. Beyond the love of her family, Nina cherished her Catholic faith. She was also a member of the Womens club of Grand Island. Family and friends may call on Friday June 20 from 4-8 PM at the Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 21 at St. Stephens Church at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association of WNY.
My deepest condolences, truly a wonderful person, may she rest in peace.
I loved Ms Nina. She was my kindergarten teacher at St Florian’s. 🙏🏻
So sorry to hear of the passing of Nina. I was in Nina's first kindergarten class at St. Florian during the 1964-65 school year. Of course we always lovingly referred to her as 'Miss Nina'. She will always be remembered as a gentle, kind and soft-spoken teacher. My sincere condolences to her family.
Dear Sam & family, so sorry to hear of Nina’s passing. She brightened everyone’s day wherever she went. Keeping you in our prayers. The Pierro-Gioeli family’s. 🙏❤️
Sam and family, Nina will be missed. Her joy for life was contagious beyond words. Nina and I shared our young life’s together starting in kindergarten at School 73. We continued our school lives through college. That’s a long time friendship! Loved her dearly. ❤️
To know you was to love you . I love you so much . You were the light in so many lives ….ill see you again one day . I am thinking of the entire family . She was such an amazing soul .
Sam and Family..Nina is and was a Beautiful Person inside and out…Her smile would light up a room…I know she is at peace and now sitting and talking to my dear cousin Marsha telling her all about our families..RIP Sweet Lady..Prayers and thoughts to the family Love, deborah and Richard Mondo
Miss Nina was my kindergarten teacher at St. Florian. It was probably 1964. I liked her so much. I remember I was absent on the day before Christmas vacation and I was so upset that I didn’t give her a Christmas present, so my mother drove me to her house to give her the gift. Everyone remembers our kindergarten teacher 60+ years ago. We loved Miss Nina and I am so sorry for your loss.
Miss Nina was also my kindergarten teacher. Whenever I’m in a group and we talk of favorite teachers she always comes to mind. She was a wonderful, kind woman that taught from her heart. Unknown to me, I was also a member of the Grand Island Woman’s club with her and never realized that Nina was my Miss Nina. I’m so very sad that I didn’t get to tell her in person how she affected the lives of so many children over the years. My deepest condolences to her family and please know that she was loved and cherished by many.
So many great memories that involve Nina. She was always a safe place to land & showed me love & support into adulthood. My condolences to her family & friends.
Dear Sam, Kim, Nichole, and family, Our deepest condolences to you and your families for the loss of your beloved Nina. She was an amazing person and so much fun to be around. She’s been such a loving, dear friend to my Sister Rosanne, and will be sorely missed. Nina will be in our thoughts and prayers. John and Maria Bartolomei
Please use the form below to send a condolence.