loving father of Susan Marfino (Thomas Saia), Laurie Marfino (Joseph Martin), Jennifer Marfino (Phillip Norrod), Michael Marfino (Jennifer Shatley); proud papa of Jillian, Caroline, Annabel and Natalie Martin, brother of the late Nicholas (June) Marfino DDS; also survived by many nieces, nephews and good friends. No prior visitation. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass Monday, March 23, 9 AM, at St.
Benedict RC Church, (Main St., at Eggert Rd.). A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Little Portion Friary, 1305 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14209. Please share your online condolences at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com
Dr. Michael Richard Marfino of Amherst passed away on March 18, 2020 at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic. A periodontist with practices in Buffalo & Williamsville since 1963, he followed in the footsteps of his brother, the late Dr. Nicholas Marfino, who was the first certified periodontist in Buffalo, NY.
By nature, Dr. Marfino was a healer and had a mind with the curiosity to think beyond traditional medicine. He had an interest in homeopathy, natural medicine, kinesiology, and TMJ related to dentistry. He often used alternative techniques to help diagnose his patients and aid in their recovery. His kind nature was a perfect match for putting patients at ease when they came to see him. He treated his patients as friends, often sharing stories of his grandchildren.
Dr. Marfino graduated from Canisius High School in 1950, Canisius College in 1953, and UB School of Dental Medicine in 1957. In 1963, he was certified in Periodontics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston MA, where he met his wife Barbara.
He often gave back to his alma maters by teaching and mentoring new generations of students. He held faculty & teaching appointments at Tufts School of Dental Medicine, UB School of Dentistry, ECMC, and ECC Dental Clinic. In addition he was a supporter of many local medical charities.
Dr. Marfino was active in several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Dental Society of the State of NY, and the NYS Society of Periodontists. He also served in many local dental chapters. In 1969, he became president of the Fonzi Dental Club and in 1979 he was named president of the UB Dental Alumni Association. Between 1988 and 1991, he served on the Board of Directors as Assistant Secretary for the Erie County Dental Society. In 1991, he was the vice president of the WNY Society of Periodontists as well as the president of the Apollonian Dental Guild. He served as president of the WNY Society of Periodontists in 1993, and in 1994 he was named president of the Erie County Dental Society.
In 2002 Dr. Marfino was awarded the prestigious Francis J Stone Distinguished Service Award by the Erie County Dental Society. This award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the dental profession by being a role model, by inspiring & mentoring younger dentists, and by upholding a standard of integrity and compassion.
Growing up on Buffalo’s West Side, Dr. Marfino always upheld an appreciation for his Italian heritage. In 2000 he co-founded the San Fele Reunion in Buffalo which celebrated the immigrants & ancestors who settled in the WNY area from the San Fele region of Italy. This popular event is held bi-annually in the Convention Center to this day.
His dedication to family and friends ran deep & loyal. For well over 40 years he could be spotted going out to lunch every Tuesday with the same group of friends. Over the years the restaurants changed, but the friendships all remained.
He enjoyed tennis, golf, and jazz, and he was a member of Brookfield Country Club for many years. An avid hockey fan, Dr. Marfino was a season ticket holder for the Buffalo Sabres since the inception of the team in 1970. He loved family weddings and exploring new restaurants. He had a great sense of humor, a fondness for dispensing witty advice, and always appreciated a good practical joke.
Dr. Marfino is survived by his wife, Barbara Zeolla Marfino, of 57 years, and his children Susan Marfino (Thomas Saia), Laurie Marfino (Joseph Martin), Jennifer Marfino (Phillip Norrod), and Michal Marfino Jr. (Jennifer Shatley). He was the very proud Papa of grandchildren Jillian, Caroline, Annabel, & Natalie Martin. He was the son of the late Daniel & Rose (Abbarno) Marfino, and brother of the late Nicholas Marfino, DDS (June Stockton). He is also survived by many nieces & nephews, and many, many lifelong friends.
On the one year anniversary of his passing, Dr. Marfino’s family wishes to honor his life in a way they were unable to do in 2020. To those who knew him – whether as a doctor, a mentor, a relative, or a friend – it is evident that the world has lost a true gentleman. He had the kindest heart, the gentlest soul, and a life well-lived. As a close friend poignantly said of his passing: “He was everybody’s friend”. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
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