Stanley Theodore Urban III

January 29, 1945 – June 1, 2026

Stanley T. Urban, III passed away on June 1, 2026, after a courageous and remarkably open battle with Parkinson's disease, a challenge he faced with the same determination, resilience, humor, and grace that defined his life.

Born on January 29, 1945, in Buffalo, New York, Stan was the son of Stanley T. Urban, II and Marjorie T. Urban (née Thomas). He is survived by his wife, Sally and his children: Josh Urban and his wife, Tanya, and their son, Lochlen; Kelly Sullivan and her husband, Tim, and their son, Declan; and Gabe Urban and his wife, Andrea, and their children, Ava and Drew Acree. Stan grew up in Buffalo alongside his sister, Babbidean Urban Huber and brothers, Thomas Urban (Nancy) and Stuart Urban (Lisa), all of whom survive him. He was predeceased by his treasured sister, Susan Jane Urban. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, who affectionately called him “Uncle Buggy,” a nickname that reflected the playful spirit and enduring bond he shared with generations of family members.

Stan built a life centered on family, love, adventure, and service. Although he enjoyed a distinguished career in Catholic healthcare leadership spanning more than four decades, those who knew him best understood that his greatest accomplishment was the life he built alongside his beloved wife, Sally Schantz Urban, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

More than husband and wife, Stan and Sally were true partners in every sense of the word. Lifelong companions, skating partners, travel companions, and best friends, they were inseparable. Their love story was one of unwavering devotion, mutual respect, laughter, and shared adventure. Together they created a family culture rich with tradition, loyalty, and joy.

Figure skating was one of Stan's earliest passions and remained a lifelong source of pride and joy. A gifted athlete, he achieved national prominence alongside Sally, winning the 1963 United States Ice Dance Championship and later representing the United States at the 1963 World Figure Skating Championships, where they placed seventh. After an injury temporarily interrupted his competitive career, Stan returned to the ice and later earned bronze medals at the U.S. Championships skating with his sister, Susan. In 2000 Stan and Sally re-entered the arena one last time to win the US Adult National Ice Dancing title. The discipline, perseverance, and competitive spirit that fueled his success on the ice remained hallmarks of his character throughout his life.

Nowhere was that more evident than at "Dakeri Hill," the family's cherished home in Lake Placid, New York. There, Stan embraced the quintessential Adirondack lifestyle that he loved so dearly. Summers complete with fires and storytelling at the lean-to, Christmas gatherings, 46er hikes, dog walks throughout John Brown Farm, family dinners at The Lodge and Paradox Lodge (owned by his dear friends, Red and Nan), and countless moments spent together became treasured memories for generations of family and friends.

Stan took immense pride in supporting his three children throughout their educations, athletic pursuits, and careers. He was their greatest advocate, mentor, and fan.

In later years, few things brought Stan more joy than watching his grandchildren grow and flourish. He loved following their accomplishments and celebrating each milestone. He proudly followed his sons' Ironman competitions, admiring the perseverance and determination they displayed, and most

recently enjoyed watching his youngest grandson pursue competitive athletics. And of course, football Sundays were spent cheering on his beloved Buffalo Bills.

Stan and Sally also shared a lifelong affection for Labrador Retrievers, raising and loving generations of dogs from the earliest days of their marriage. Their home was rarely without a loyal Labrador nearby, a reflection of the warmth and generosity that defined their family life.

Those closest to Stan will forever remember the stories. Many revolved around days spent on Lake Placid—water skiing, boating, laughter-filled afternoons with family and friends, and evenings that ended with quiet martinis shared with Sally as the sun set over the water. Their first boat was named The Molly Brown, after the famed "Unsinkable Molly Brown." In many ways, there could be no more fitting symbol for Stan himself. Through life's challenges and triumphs alike, he remained unsinkable—steadfast, optimistic, and determined.

Stan was a legend in many arenas. He was admired for his accomplishments in business, respected for his leadership, and known for his competitive spirit. He was also a gifted prankster whose mischievous sense of humor brought laughter to countless gatherings. Yet beyond every achievement and every story was something even more enduring: his extraordinary devotion to his family. He loved deeply, generously, and without reservation.

His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the traditions he created, the memories shared, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, wisdom, humor, and unwavering support.

Above all, Stan will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and partner whose greatest joy was sharing life's adventures with the people he loved most.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark R.C. Church, 401 Woodward Ave., Buffalo, NY on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Stan will be interred at St. Agnes Cemetery in Lake Placid, New York, at a future date.

He will be profoundly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Go Bills!