Dear Glenn, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad.  Will always remember him with his ready smile and warm words of encouragement.

Mr. Munson went to East High School with my Dad.  My Dad enjoyed being a Math teacher under his leadership.  As a little girl, when your Dad attended parties at my home I always thought he was a very kind man.  My Dad had the highest regard and respect for your father as did my Mother.  My Mother is quite ill and felt badly she could not attend the service.  I will never forget the kind remembrance Glenn wrote about my father- George Saltarelli.  I am sure my Dad will enjoy catching up with him in heaven.  My prayers and sincere condolences are with you.

On behalf of the Western Zone of the New York State Retired Teachers' Association (NYSRTA)sympathy and prayers are sent to the family of Don. He was deeply involved and dedicated to our organization and served for many years as a board of director. His smile and kindness, as well as his dedication will long be remembered. In his memory a donation will be made to the Robert DeCormier Fund of NYSRTA, which assists retired educators in need. May he rest in peace!

A great principal and a wonderful neighbor. Our best wishes to Ruth and the rest of the family.

Though its been many decades since I knew Mr.Munson, he was a devoted and gifted leader, administrator and educatoer. Amherst was blessed by his gifts & talents.
George E Brown  class of 1958

I have many wonderful memories of Don.  Here are three:
Don was standing on the stairs between second and third floors with that wonderful smile of his as I was crabbing down the stairs because I had run the cross-country course for the first time the preceding afternoon.
Don was as pleased as I when I finished a half-mile in first place having expected to finish in sixth place in a six contestant race in East Aurora.
Don driving a bunch of runners to a Toronto track meet.  High point of the evening was pushing the car back onto the road after skidding slowly off the road into the brush.
Dave Edwards (48)

Donald Munson was a central figure in my life. A kind and strong man who conveyed hope and stability to us at a stage in our lives, and in the life of our country, when we probably needed such things most. He and his family were great friends to me, my family, and our church. He will be remembered warmly always.

Don was a family friend when I was 15 yrs old back in 1957. Our families spent many weekends visiting when Don & Marion were not busy. The Skinner family and the Keller family enjoyed a trip to Don and Marion's cabin in Mass, don was my brother Bills track coach at Amherst, Bill went on to be a great runner at Georgia Tech. My Sister Beverly and I also graduated from Amherst. In 57 @ 60. I remember running cross country with Gary. Those were the GOOD times and will always remember how nice and caring Don was. He was very influential in helping me make it through school by giving me the motivation I needed. God bless.

As a student at ACHS, I was honored to have known Mr. Munson.  He was so very helpful in directing me toward college and was a good friend of our family.  I am a better person because of him.

When I worked at the Northeast YMCA, Mr. Munson used to be such a bright spot in my otherwise long and stressful days.  I would look forward to seeing him and his bright smile.  I will remember all the kind words he shared with me over the years that I knew him and always smile when I think of him.

Great Man! Always a gentleman! Wonderful role model for so many! My good fortune to be in his school and presence.

John Wardour 62'

A wonderful human being that made our high school experience in the 60's extra special as students.I am forever grateful for knowing him, Marilyn,and Garry. Class of '64

There is comfort in friendship, hope in prayer, peace in love.  Thoughts are with you ALL !

We are so sorry for your loss. I have been thinking about you lately and planning a visit. We are in Florida for the month and will not be able to attend the memorial service but you are in our thoughts an prayers. I'll be in touch with you when I get home in late March.  Love, Grace and Ross Markello

I had the privilege of knowing the Munson family personally through my friendship with Marilyn. My high school years at Anherst High were made even more special because of Donald Munson's leadership, calm demeanor, and "father figure" for all of us. Marilyn, please know I am thinking of you and hope we can connect once again. Your father touched my life and will be fondly remembered.

Dear Ruth, So sorry to hear of Don's passing - Dick and I will always remember him. He will be missed by a lot of students and faculty from his years as Principal and advisor. May he rest in peace. Our deepest Sympathy to you and the rest of his family.  Dick & Wilma Beyer

Dear Ruth and Garry;
Please  accept my Sympathy on the Death of your Husband And your Father. I was very sorry to learn of it ,and that I was . not able to see both of you today. I'm and old friend of Don, going back to Buffalo East High School, and more recently the YMCA Equality Club. May you find much comfort today in tour Faith and in the many  fine years of your lives together.
Cal Haller

Mr. Munson's dedication and leadership served generations of students, and the Amherst community. My mother admired him from their days at Buffalo State Teachers College, on through their retirement from the Amherst schools. My condolences to the Munson family.

Don Munson cared deeply about the school and about the community. He was an example for us of integrity, determination and citizenship in the best interpretation. We were blessed to have known him! Mary Wolf ACHS '69

Sixty (60) additional condolences and tributes to Mr. Munson and his family have been received thus far -- from ACHS alumni & former faculty -- via the 'I Grew Up in Amherst, NY' Facebook Group:

Joyce Agricola Beaini: Thank you for passing on this information and providing such a thoughtful tribute.

Robert Batson: Don Munson was such a strong, dignified man and a positive influence on several generations of Amherst High students as a teacher, coach and prinicipal

Anthony Caggiano: He was a wonderful role model and always willing to listen. I not only had the priviledge of knowing him but he was my neighbor on Kings Hwy growing up so we had the occasion to talk very often. He will be sadly missed by all the lives he touched.

Linda Baumler Koziol: Mr. Munson was a gentleman who was respected and loved by all his students. He is missed. My sympathies to his friends and family.

Joanne Devitt Wible: RIP Mr. Munson. So glad I got to see you and talk to you last september at our 50th.

Toni Rifenburg-Walker: Walker My sincere condolences to Mr. Munson's family!

Donald Wright: A wonderful human being if ever there was one.

John Roberts: Such a wonderful man who gave so much to the Amherst Community. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Nice tribute, Steve Raikin. Special thoughts go out to fellow classmate Marilyn Munson Crone and to all the rest of the Munson clan. Don impacted so many of us at Amherst. Thank you so much for sharing him with us.

Anne Lewinnek Hurwitz: Must not forget Gary Munson class of '62. It was very special to see him at our reunion last Sept.

Barbara Goldberg Bandel: He was a good man - sorry to hear the sad news.

Roianne Lund Preston: aww r.i.p. Mr. Munson, you made my years at Amherst so much more ......

Bruce Wright: Iconic, actually! ... Echoing the words of Robert, Anthony, Linda and others, I remember him well as a first-rate administrator...Condolences to Gary, Marilyn and the rest of the family.

Janet Collins Jordan: Gary Munson, Marilyn Munson Crone, Glenn Munson & Pam Munson Tierney ... we share your grief. What a wonderful father you were blessed to have for so many years.

Janis Boyd-Bowman: He was a wonderful principal...so well liked by everybody!! My heart goes out to his extended family....Hugs and prayers!! He gave a lot of love. He will be remembered well.

Jamie Gill: My sympathy to all

Roeder Phillip Kinkel: Well said Steve. Nice man . A terrific principal. Condolences to the family.

Dave Colbert: He was Vice principal when I was at ACHS. Very nice man.

Ellen Klock: He set the standard and under his management Amherst HS thrived. I went into education, and let me tell you, I never worked far a principal who measured up to his level. Even the good ones lacked his quiet dignity. His children should take solace in his accomplishments as they mourn his loss.

Susan Lynne George: He was always very kind to me and let me get away with murder at operetta time. He was a kind and gentle man.

Lois Petrunick Holt: What a legacy he leaves...

Jane M Macaluso Feldman Prayers going out to his family. May all the fond memories offer you comfort at this difficult time.

Beck Brown: Steve, Thanks for writing this very sensitive remembrance of our Principal. Don was a gentleman we mostly all loved. Sitting in his office as an applicant, he assured me choosing a good staff and then keeping out of teachers hair was his top priority. He lived up to that promise, and always encouraged my wacky initiatives. When I showed up for orientation before Labor Day, 1964, carrying my "tools" in a green book bag, Don grabbed me by the elbow, pulled me into his office, handed me a traditional brief case and said, "we don't want people to get the wrong idea about you." A perfect administrator?

Best wishes,
Beck

Susan Winzig: May he RIP !

Bob Bakert
GA State University

Daniel Sack
Buffalo, New York

Joyce Agricola Beaini
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

Toni Rifenburg-Walker
Bryant & Stratton College

Jim Cavanaugh
Owner at James Cavanaugh Photography

Joanne Devitt Wible
Amherst Central High School

Linda Baumler Koziol
Works at Private Voice Teacher

John Roberts
Owner/Founder at Custom Cedar Fences by John Roberts

Valerie Lyons
Greencastle, Indiana

Terry McElligott
Buffalo Depot Supervisor at Klein Steel Service

Anne Lewinnek Hurwitz
NYU

Christine Muzzio-Saba
Works at Saba Law Offices, PC

Gail Singer Ruhlman
State University New York

Janet Baumler Thiele
State University of NY College at Buffalo

Eric Brownson
Project Manager at Portage Inc.

Susan Lynne George
Amherst Central High School

Roeder Phillip Kinkel
Professional artist - self employed at Roeder Kinkel, Textural Artist

Vicki Forbes Dueck
Piano/Voice Teacher at Self employed

Christine Muzzio-Saba
Works at Saba Law Offices, PC

Barbara Lightman Hochman
The Ohio State University

Dave Cole
Erie Community College

Susan Walczak Oehlrich
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

Valerie Davis

Lynn Otterman Eastman
Director of Financial Services at Ithaca College

Alison Potts Altre-Kerber
KeyCorp

Jean Platzer Delamere
Buffalo State College

Dan Callistein

Diane Carlson Sibille

Joel Murphy Sr.
Amherst Central High School

Lynda Beelke Hurd
Indiana University

Barry Stark
Works at Eggertsville Hose Company

Tim Kirwan
Amherst Central Senior High School

Donald Teresa
Amherst High School

Maria Ralabate
Amherst Central High School

Jim LaMont
911 Operator - Just celebrated 20 years at Pinellas County Public Safety Services

Marcia Paterniti Cleary-Walker

Alan Bartczak
Cornell University

Dear Ruth and entire family...
What a wonderful life he lived
and legacy he leaves.
Don will be remembered by me as a truly special man.  I am so thankful to have known him and his wonderful wife.
Hold tight to your memories.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pam, Sean and Kaela and the whole Munson family.

What an impact Don had on so many of us!
He was an incredible man that was Blessed with the qualities that helped us through our high school days.  I am thankful for the opportunity to have known him.  My condolences to all of the family.

Garry
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss
I have wonderful memories of your Dad
My father surely enjoyed his friendship

  
  Dear Jenn,
 I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your Grandfather. What a very fine man
he was. To Maddie and Sophie, I know you will always learn of the wonderful 
person your Great Grandfather was. 
 Mark,
Thanks for letting me know. Keep me in mind if there is anything I can do to help in any way. 
 Marilyn and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am with you all especially at this time.
 Love,
   Em

Mr. Munson made Amherst High School a wonderful place to learn & move on to higher levels of life. We didn't realize in the years we were there how lucky we were  for the gift he gave us in our education (1964)

Garry/Ruth,
What a class guy, what a pleasure it was to know him and occasionally spend time in his company. Always a kind word, always asked about the family, always reminded me not to take the "close" spots in any parking lot I might frequent - better to get "a little extra exercise". I know I speak for many in saying, 'we will miss you Sir!'.

Tom Granville Sr.

Reading the messages emphasizes what an impact Don made in his lifetime.  He was a true gentleman.

I count it a great privelege to have served as a colleague with Don Munson, beginning in the year 1950,  After serving as teachers, we both were selected to administrative positions, he in the high school and I in the (then) junior high school. I considered him  the role model in the manner in which he related to students and peers. After several years our paths diverged but our friendship continued. Condolences to his family; his memory will always remain with me and, I know, with the many persons who had the privelege of knowing him. Blessings.   Herman Bowman

Don was my first and best track coach at BuffState. May God bless him and his family.

There are certain people you will remember forever, even in their passing and Mr. Munson will be one of them. When I taught at Smallwood for 12 years, his name was mentioned often in very high regard.  Being a good friend of Marilyn at Buffalo State, I not only met him and others in the family, but began to realize the impact he made as a father, and a respected member of the Amherst district. I just know his spirit will live on in the memories he left with Ruth and all of his family!

I graduated from Amherst High in 1958 and I remember Mr. Munson well.  He was a great man and truly loved his job.  He was a great friend to all.

Mr. Munson was my favorite administrator.  I missed the separate Juinior High by a year, but I knew him when I was in junior high at the original Jr/Sr high school building.  I used to go to Christ United Methodist Church.

My sncere condolences to the Munson family.

Patricia Wicker, Class of 1958

Dear Ruth
Don will be truly missed. His ever present smile and greetings lightened our days. He was a very good man,a true gentleman and embodied everything we aspire to in our lives as Christians and as Lions. He will be very much missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know he leaves many good memories for all of us

We wish to send our deepest condolonces to the entire family. We were fellow volunteers for the NYSRTA and served on the Executive Board. A wonderful man who devoted his life to better the lives of his students and fellow retirees. Don may be gone,but he will never be forgotten. GOD BLESS!

Leonard S.Sikora
Past President Western Zone Retired Teachers Assoc.

My sincere condolences to Don's family.  He was a great man who taught life's lessons by his example.  He has had a continuing positive influence on my life since I first met him in 1945.  He will be greatly missed.

My deepest sympathy  was a great man  Judy Meetze  class of 58

Hi Gary, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your dad.  I hadn't realized that he was pretty much a contemporary of my dad who passed away a couple of years ago.  As with most of our teachers, we didn't much think of them as people at the time, but now that we know better, I would be interested in reading more about his life. Thus, if a more personal history becomes available I would very much be interested in reading it.  I expect my brother Peter (Amherst '67) would be interested as well.  Sincerest condolences from my family to yours, Tom Hall tom-hall@nc.rr.com

I will never forget your smile  Mr. Munson.  It always brightened my day when I saw you!  You will be missed by so so many.

Don Munson served as an inspiration to all of us at the Amherst Lions Club. We will miss him greatly, but he will always be with us. We give our heartfelt good wishes and sympathy to Ruth and Don's other family members.

It was with sadness, when I learned of Mr. Munson's passing. I remember when he started. (On a lighter side) He broke tradition. He last name didn't start with, "Sch..." In the hallways, he always took the time to say, "Hello," and/or, "How is School going for you?" He cared about we students.

Paul E. Bauer '62.

I am proud to have been a colleague of this deeply respected gentleman.  Please accept my sincerest condolences Ruth and John.

Louis M. Fiorella

We mourn the loss of Don Munson, our distinguished and beloved principal of Amherst Central High School. He was a marvelous person in so many ways, and a deeply appreciated, ever-present positive influence in the lives of so many of us as we were growing up in Amherst. Don cared so deeply and sincerely about his students, parents, faculty and staff -- and the entire Amherst community. He was passionate about the development and maintenance of excellence in education, recruited incredibly gifted faculty members, took a sincere personal interest in every aspect of our lives at ACHS, and played a huge role in making our beloved alma mater one of the finest high schools in New York State, and indeed, America. We send our heartfelt condolences to all of Don's family, including my classmate and friend Glenn Munson. We will miss him dearly. We will never forget him. May our wonderful principal, friend and mentor rest in peace forever.

Dear Gary and Family,  My heartfelt condolences in the passing of your father.  Donald W. Munson was a great man, he will always be remembered with kind thoughts.

Peter Stancampiano

Our principal was a leader of many. A man that was fair and insperational.  He was a compasionate leader and one that treated his students as a father would his children. His memory will always live on with those whose lives he touched. Sue and my thoughts and prayers go out to you Garry and Marilyn and the rest of your family during this time of sorrow.
Sue and Dick Sickler (67 and 63)

I remember him warmly from my years at Amherst 1965-67.  He was a terrific principal.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. Being from the Amherst High Class of '64, Don strived to make Amherst the very best of all the area high schools.

I was a student in the '60's when he was principal of the high school, and I also had him as a boss in 1968-69 when I taught at ACHS.  He was  terrific and helpful to me, for which I always will be grateful.  My deepest sympathies to the family, especially, Gary and Marilyn, with whom I went to high school.

What a gentle man and great example for thousands of students. Condolences to all in your loss, particularly to Pam, a classmate from 1973 "The Best of the Best".

OBITUARY

Donald Don W. Munson

March 28, 1921 – February 18, 2013

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home

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