The loss of Mark Croce in a helicopter crash in Pennsylvania is something that will be felt throughout Buffalo. A pillar in the community, he had a hand in bringing the city back to life.

There are now a lot of questions about Croce's businesses and what his sudden death means for them.

His company, Buffalo Development Corporation, released this statement on Friday:

"Questions are being asked about the future of the companies that Mr. Croce created over the last three decades and the hundreds of employees in his hospitality and development businesses. We want to assure the employees and the public that the businesses will continue without interruption.

"We will be prepared at the appropriate time to have a more in-depth discussion of Mr. Croce’s life, what it meant to Buffalo and the future of his companies.

"Currently, all we ask is for a period of bereavement to respect the family and allow them to process their grief in this very difficult time."

—Robert E. Knoer, Buffalo Development Corporation

Spectrum News spoke to Croce's long-time employee and friend of 18 years, Conor Hawkins, who told us Croce's death is an incredible loss. But, he said no one loved Buffalo more than Croce and the legacy he left behind will be felt long after his death.

Walking around downtown Buffalo, you will see the impact of Mark Croce.

 

Croce either owned or helped develop all of these properties. He was the driving force behind the downtown revitalization. He's responsible for the $24 million development of the Curtiss Hotel and he began the restoration of the 100-year-old Statler City building.

"I am still in shock," said Hawkins. "We talk every night on the phone and go over business and assess the day and talk about the problems we have and we solve them."

Another close friend of Croce's, Amherst Chamber of Commerce President AJ Baynes, called his death a "tragic loss for Western New York."

"We were friends the better part of 15 years. Whether it was politically, trying to move the political landscape a little bit in Western New York. We were involved in some charitable work and then he supported me whenever I needed anything at the Chamber of Commerce," said Baynes.

Croce also owned the Pay 2 Park parking lots. He teamed up with McGuire Development in 2017 to transform the former C.W. Miller Livery Stable into a second site for the Emerson School of Hospitality. 

City of Buffalo Planning Board Chairman James Morrell says while Croce made money, he did so by taking on projects that were far from a sure thing.

"I'm pretty sure that he didn't have a crystal ball to say, 'Hey, this is going to be the first start of the resurgence of the city of Buffalo,’ but he did take a chance,” said Morrell.

Hawkins added Croce worked to make Buffalo the place it is today.

"He always said, 'Hey, let's go somewhere warm,' but his love was downtown Buffalo," said Hawkins.

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.

—Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tweeted he was saddened to wake up to the news.

Croce wasn't just a developer, he was a loving husband and father to two children. He was also very involved in other aspects of the community. Croce served on the board of commissioners for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and with the Reserve Aviation Unit with the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

Hawkins says while he's still in shock, he knew Croce would want the work to continue.

"He's built a legacy, and my job is to try and build morale and keep that going, and it's a very tough day waking up to this kind of news," said Hawkins.