In Memoriam

Remembering members of our cherished GSE community who have recently passed away. 

Faculty

Michael Kibby.

Michael W. Kibby, a beloved GSE faculty member, died on May 16, 2024, at the age of 81. His legacy as an educator, researcher and community leader has left a lasting mark on both the university and the community in Western New York.

Kibby joined the UB faculty in 1974, dedicating 38 years to advancing the field of reading education. He was widely respected for his expertise in the science of reading, contributing significantly to research that informed teaching practices and policy.

As the director of the Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction (ClaRI), Kibby mentored countless graduate students, helping them develop the skills necessary to become effective reading specialists. Under his leadership, ClaRI became a vital resource for WNY, providing free literacy assessments and interventions to hundreds of children in the Buffalo area.

In addition to his professional achievements, Kibby was known for his warmth, humor and dedication to his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his colleagues and students often spoke of his kindness and generosity. Kibby’s legacy lives on through the thousands of educators he trained, the children whose lives were improved by his work and the colleagues who were inspired by his dedication and passion.

Alumni

1940s

  • Richard D. Keil, BEd ’49 | 06/11/2024

1950s

  • Joseph C. Girard, BEd ’56 | 04/23/2023
  • Dolores A. Liebner, MS ’59, BA ’56 | 09/20/2023
  • Naomi K. Mintzer, BE ’56 | 04/04/2024
  • Esther M. Posmantur, BE ’53 | 05/08/2024

1960s

  • John F. Aceti, EdM ’61 | 02/13/2024
  • David M. Brogan, EdM ’63, BEd ’59 | 06/13/2024
  • Timothy J. Butler, EdM ’66 | 02/12/2024
  • Ned E. Dingman, EdM ’79 | 04/21/2023
  • George I. Dooher, EdM ’69 | 01/21/2023
  • Patricia A. Dyer, EdM ’64, BEd ’60 | 10/23/2023
  • Richard J. Giannicchi, EdM ’69, BA ’64 | 06/13/2023
  • Charles J. King, EdM ’64 | 06/09/2024
  • Dr. Charles S. Mancuso, EdD ’69 | 07/31/2024
  • Helen M. Martin, EdM ’61 | 06/01/2024
  • Judith Flak Mahoney, EdM ’69 | 08/01/2024
  • Donald A. Mattea, EdM ’69 | 06/19/2024
  • William Monkarsh, EdM ’65, BEd ’62 | 07/30/2024
  • Gail E. Nelson, BEd ’68 | 06/24/2024
  • Daniel Rockwitz, BEd ’65 | 07/02/2024
  • Michael L. Russo, EdM ’65 | 05/15/2024
  • Conrad J. Sharrow, EdM ’63, BA ’62 | 07/22/2024
  • Robert S. Swiatek, EdM ’66 | 11/28/2023
  • Paul J. Williams Jr., EdM ’69 | 06/30/2024
  • Richard L. Wuertzer, EdM ’64 | 07/05/2024
  • Tina A. Zayhowski, EdM ’69 | 06/05/2024

1970s

  • Patricia C. Bernhard, MLS ’78 | 2024
  • Dr. Douglas L. Burleigh, PhD ’76 | 06/29/2024
  • Gerald A. Cantor, EdM ’72, BS ’68 | 03/31/2024
  • Judith A. Condino, EdM ’73 | 08/05/2024
  • Dr. Vincent J. Coppola, PhD ’72, EdM ’66 | 04/05/2024
  • Ruth L. Falbo, MS ’74 | 08/16/2024
  • Patty L. Donegan, EdM ’71 | 09/18/2023
  • Dr. Thomas G. Frank, PhD ’75 | 05/11/2024
  • Dr. Gerald J. Hayden, PhD ’73, EdM ’50 | 07/03/2024
  • Donna M. Johnson, BS ’75 | 06/11/2024
  • Dr. Joseph K. Riordan, PhD ’79 | 04/18/2024
  • Fern I. Suckow, EdM ’70 | 07/16/2024
  • Lieve Vankerckhoven, EdM ’70 | 10/23/2023
  • Dr. Arthur O. White, III, PhD ’71, EdM ’68 | 05/06/2023

1980s

  • Dr. Ruth G. Keenan, PhD ’89, EdM ’73 | 04/09/2024
  • Angeline J. Gomez, MS ’80, BA ’77 | 08/26/2024
  • Mary A. Licker, MLS ’85 | 07/28/2024
  • Laurie A. Maxwell, EdM ’88, BA ’86 | 06/26/2024

1990s

  • Margaret Cook Lew, MLS ’95, MBA ’79 | 05/21/2024
  • David A. Nojaim, EdM ’98 | 08/04/2024
  • Dr. Elaine B. Richards, PhD ’92 | 04/10/2024
  • Graham Smith, MLS ’97, BA ’91 | 08/21/2024

2000s

  • Lisa J. Aragona, Adv. Cert. ’03 | 05/15/2024
  • John P. Handyside, , CAS ’11, BS ’05 | 02/11/2024
  • Daysi P. McGill, EdM ’05, BA ’00 | 07/27/2024

2010s

  • Jennifer L. Abbott, MLS ’17 | 08/13/2024

2020s

  • Christy D. Singh, Adv. Cert. ’21 | 04/01/2024