Tony Martin Awards, Inc. would like to honor the legacy of RoseMarie A. Burns 1930-2024 A true legend in our community for her many contributions to our youth and countless organizations. A true Buffalo lover who gave of herself to make our city a better place to live.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robert Schiller graduated from Amherst Central High School in 1977. He is a full time professor at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts teaching Comedy and Directing.
“A 2 time Emmy Award winning Director, Rob began making films at the age of 11 and as an actor, got his Equity Card at 17. He hasn’t stopped directing in theatre, film & television since.
He attended Ithaca College for Communications and Buffalo State for Theatre Arts. His first network job was as a Production Supervisor for CBS Sports & Entertainment divisions in NYC.
From there he produced the CBS daytime drama “As The World Turns” by day and worked in the theatre, at night.
Hollywood called to direct the NBC daytime drama “Santa Barbara” for 5 years, then General Hospital.
His first sitcom was “Another World”. Since then, he has Directed over 400 sitcom episodes for every major Network & Studio including Executive Producer- Director of “The King of Queens” on CBS for 9 years. Amongst his achievements, 6 pilots he directed went to series, directed the BBC series “Clone” in London, and did one of the first webisode series for Crackle.
His indie film “And They’re Off” received glowing reviews from the LA Times, his short film “Don’t Be A Drip” won Best Short Award at FilmFest 2016, and Rob’s short film “Waiting Around For You To Die…..” Made Official Selection in the 2024 French International Modern Film Festival, and the Award of Excellence at Best Shorts Competition.
Rob taught Directing and Production in Beijing for a year, Directing at Chapman for another year and is happy to now be full time at USC. Currently, he is writing a book on Composition for Film,TV & Theatre, and another entitled “So You Want to Direct?” -A “How To” manual for beginning (and some seasoned) directors.”
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Born to Ethel (Trautman) and John Kaiser on July 24, 1942. Ray leaves behind his loving husband, Bob, faithful cat, Silver Noel and many friends and family. Ray was predeceased by his parents and three brothers. Friends may call Tuesday 4-8 at Kaiser Funeral Home, 1950 Whitehaven Rd., Grand Island. Share condolences online at Kaiserfuneral.com
Wife of the late Philip Brody; mother of Ann (Jim) Ricketts and Bruce (Pamela) Brody; grandmother of Jessica (Nick), Matthew (Katie), Benjamin (Chelsey), Sarah and Zachary; great grandmother of Kaiden. Judy was a champion of early childhood education, a longtime teacher, and an artist who loved her family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday 11AM at MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., E. Amherst, NY 14051. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hospice Foundation of WNY. Share condolences and view live stream at mesnekoff.com
Deborah Cant Christel, 63, of Winchester, Massachusetts, died peacefully on the morning of February 21, 2023. Born in Buffalo, NY on October 15th, 1959, Deb grew up in Amherst, New York and attended Amherst Central High School. She was a graduate of St. Lawrence University, where she was a resident advisor, a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and The Laurentian Singers. Her love of music was a lifelong joy, and she later sang in choirs in Boston and Winchester. Deb also loved the outdoors, and adored nothing more than to spend the day on the slopes skiing with family and friends. She also enjoyed tennis, golf, photography and a myriad of other activities throughout her life. Her joyful smile and luminous personality touched everyone she met. Her friends were friends for life, and she cherished those lifelong connections. After college, Deb took up residence and started her business career in Boston. There she met her future husband Will, and they were wed in 1988. Professionally, Deb was a successful sales and marketing executive for many years with IBM, after stints with Knoll Furniture, Polaroid and other companies. She was also active in many organizations in the greater Boston area, including The Trinity Church of Boston, The Junior League of Boston, and The Parish of the Epiphany in Winchester. Deb also loved to spend time with family and friends at Fishers Island, NY in the summer, and The Mountain Lake Club, Florida in the winter. She particularly loved the rolling hills, beautiful stone walls, and sparkling waters of Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury Ct. Preceded in death by her father John Cant, Deb’s survivors include her husband William Christel and son Samuel Christel, her mother Connie Reed, her brother Scott Cant and his wife Fran Cant, and an extended loving family. She could fill any room with her joyous laughter, and the world was a better place. Services will take place this spring in Middlebury, Connecticut. Deborah’s family will provide details closer to the date. In lieu of flowers, Deborah’s family suggests donations be made to The McCance Center for Brain Health at Mass. General Hospital or the Middlebury Land Trust.
Tiger Tracks 