I'm so sorry to learn of Mark's passing. He was a consummate professional and a great person. First met attending the FBI National Academy with him and often travelled back and forth together. We had a crazy flight where we landed sideways on the way to a conference that was memorable - as was Mark- he will be missed. My deepest sympathies to Mark's family.

Mark became a wonderful addition to our Board of Directors at White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary in our earliest days. He worked so hard to help get us off the ground and was such a stalwart presence. He came out to the sanctuary this past summer to view the finished product and I am so happy he did as he very much helped to build it! It was good to have him in the world, and I will miss him very much!

A great loss to family and friends. Mark was an excellent leader & command officer with the Buffalo Police Department. He will be missed. LT Patrick Morrow BPD (Retired)🇺🇲

Whenever we had an incident or problem we couldn't solve at Canisius College Public Safety we knew Lt. Blankenberg would respond from Pct.6 and provide professional police support. He took his oath very seriously and was a great street cop -every tour of duty. Rest in peace Mark and may God continue to bless your family.

We send our deepest condolences to Mark’s family. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Mark and we have been so fortunate to have known him. We were his tenants for many years before buying his family’s home five years ago. We now raise our daughter there and enjoy life in North Buffalo! 
We will always be grateful for the care and kindness he has shown us.
-Kate & Danny Beaudet

Mark was the consumate police professional.  In the old days, I was defending the City of Buffalo in a case brought by a news reporter who in attempt to get the trophy shot of a SWAT hostage scene got arrested after she broke the police line and interfered with the work of the police who were securing the scene.  I needed someone to explain to the jury how/why the police established perimeters.  I called Mark to the stand.  He walked into court tall and confident in full police gear.   He looked like General McArthur! His confident testimony and demeanor won us the case.  I would often remark later that we won the minute Mark entered the courtroom.  God bless him and his family.  Dave State

Mark and I  were appointed to the Buffalo Swat Team in approximately 1985 . It came a time a few years later that Mark was appointed to the Commander of the team, and that’s when he set his mind to rebuild the team  and did he ever. He flew out to meet with Los Angeles Swat and observed how they operated and how they trained. He brought back plans of their training facility and we set out to build the same training course as Los Angeles behind old Precinct 7 on Louisiana St .  He had me mooch, beg, borrow, or sort of borrow cinder block, concrete , chain link fence, lumber, etc. and under his guidance, it was built. He then had try outs for the team and he ended up getting approx 15 of the finest men the department had.  Mark  set out to train these men into Buffalo’s elite Swat Team and he did.  It was an honor to serve under Mark’s command.

Dear Cindy and the entire Blankenberg family,

It was my great honor to serve with Commissioner Blankenberg at the Buffalo Police Department, where I was assigned as the attorney for many legal matters for several years.  He served with great integrity and dedication.  I was astounded by the strength he mustered to attend Commissioner Diina's  funeral in October. I am deeply saddened by your loss, and I wish you comfort and peace. 

With deepest sympathy,

Diane T. Noshay, Esq. 
(nee O'Gorman)

A wonderful caring individual who cared about the citizens of Buffalo, and fellow police officers.  I am aware of the help and knowledge that he gave other departments.  The City of Buffalo lost one of their favorite sons.  May his memory be a blessing.

To the Blankenberg family:
We wish to extend our deepest condolences in the 
passing of this dedicated Law Enforcement professional. 
I had the extreme pleasure and honor of working with Mark
over the years in the BPD and always found him to be the go 
to problem solver.  His solum outer exterior was shadowed
by his inner caring nature for family / friends and strangers that needed his help. 
Mark will be remembered fondly and missed greatly. 
Bob & Andi Chella

OBITUARY

Mark E. Blankenberg

February 10, 1954 – March 2, 2026

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home

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A Mass of Christian Burial