Catherine Tobia

Cathy Tobia, a successful and well known real estate agent for nearly 50 years, passed away peacefully on December 11, surrounded by close family and friends, after battling cancer for several years. She was 82 years old.

Cathy, born in Buffalo, was raised by Pearl and John Galletta, and grew up with her brother Tony, in a small 3 bedroom ranch in Williamsville.

Cathy was voted the prettiest girl in her high school class at Bishop Newman. She married the late Vincent A. Tobia, her high school sweetheart, when she was 19. She was the mother of Vince Tobia of Williamsville (wife Leslie) and she had 3 grandchildren, Vince "Cenzie", Joe, and Mia Tobia.

Cathy, a licensed associate broker, sold real estate for nearly 50 years, starting at Ronald J. Koch, working at Potter, Realty USA and finally Howard Hannah. She was incredibly successful and won many awards for selling houses. Cathy was a Platinum Award recipient for highest achievement, and she was consistently in the top 20 agents @ Realty USA, now currently Howard Hanna. She had over $100,000,000 in real estate sales during her long career. Cathy especially loved holding open houses because she could interact with prospective clients. People loved Cathy because she was down to earth, and she told it like it was. She became friends with many of the new Buffalo Bills players when she sold them homes upon moving to the area.

She was a mentor to many young real estate agents, and most recently to her good friend, agent Laura Rupp, who helped her continue working throughout her fight with cancer.

She also spent time volunteering with Friends of the Night People for many years.

Cathy loved the beach, especially Siesta Key, where she visited for many years. She also traveled to the Bahamas with her son Vince, his wife Leslie and her grandchildren. She also enjoyed Ocean City, Maryland, Virginia Beach and Sunset Bay Beach. When she was young, she and her family would visit relatives in NYC every summer, frequenting the beaches, and Coney Island, which she spoke fondly of.

Cathy enjoyed cooking and made incredible Italian dishes that were taught to her by her mother and aunts. She also loved following the Buffalo Bills, and cheering on her three grandchildren, who played high school baseball, hockey, volleyball and softball.

Audrey Klingenmeier was her best friend and confidante and was a tremendous source of solace and comfort during her illness.

Cathy was the godmother of Christine, Joelle, Dan and Curreen Luongo.

Cathy was an incredible mother, grandmother, godmother and friend to many. She was blessed with a long and wonderful life, and she is at peace now.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 5480 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cathy's memory may be made to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, PO Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240.