Robert James McDonald ’06 – 05/20/24

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2024-06-12
Posted in: News, Obituaries. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

McDonald, Robert James

May 24, 1988 – May 20, 2024

Gunnery Sergeant Robert James McDonald passed away suddenly on May 20, 2024 while stationed in 29 Palms, CA. Bobby was born on May 24, 1988 in Amherst, NY. He was a devoted father to Jamison (12 y) and Wesley (5 y).

Beloved by his parents Loring Gingell McDonald and Paul J. McDonald. Cherished by his grandparents, Marjorie T. and the late Dr. Robert L. Gingell, Joan U. and the late James P. McDonald, and his “uncle grandpa”, James C. Gingell. Bobby is also loved by his siblings Robin (Eric) Martin, Daniel, and William, as well as, Kelly McDonald and their sons, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and friends.

He was a 2006 graduate of Amherst Central Schools and a 2010 graduate from SUNY Cobleskill. He was highly active throughout middle school into his adult life in lacrosse and football. Bobby was a coach and was a role model in his community. During several summers, he played the tuba as a member of the Chautauqua Community Band. He also enjoyed fishing and sailing on Chautauqua Lake. Bobby joined the Marine Corps on June 7, 2010 and served his country with honor and dignity until the time of his death.

Services will include a dignified transfer from 29 Palms to Raleigh, NC. A viewing will be held on June 12th from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Johnson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, NC. His funeral service will be on June 14th 10 am at the Coastal Carolina Veterans Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held in Amherst, NY on a date TBD.

Bobby will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Godspeed, my son.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Onslow Youth Lacrosse Association, 120 Cedar Ridge Drive, Maysville, NC 28555

Original: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/buffalonews/name/robert-mcdonald-obituary?pid=207078415

Patricia “Gourlay” Yager ’59 – 11/04/2023

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2024-06-07
Posted in: News, Obituaries. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Patricia J. “Pat” Yager, age 82, of Sylvania, Ohio passed away on November 4, 2023.

Pat is survived by her daughters Pam Yager, Colleen Muench, Lynn (Steve) Way and son Tom Yager. Grandchildren Eric Filapello (Rachel Epstein), Alexis (Carla) Muench, Brandon (Adriana) Way, Joshua (Megan) Muench, Tyler Way, Lauren Way and Lashawna Yager. Great-grandchildren Oliver and Cohen Way, Hallie Muench and Miles Muench, sister Sharon Guffner, brothers John (Linda) Gourlay and William Gourlay, sister-in-law Carol Yager, several nieces, nephews and beloved lifelong friends, as well as her Otterbein Sunset Village community.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Yager, daughter Susan Filapello, parents Frederick and Pearl Gourlay, son-in-law Michael Muench Jr, brother-in-law Gerald Yager, sister-in-law Eileen Gourlay and brother-in-law Gordon Guffner.

Pat was born in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Amherst High School. She received her Associates in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Erie Community Technical Institute. She began her career in Buffalo NY then moved to Syracuse NY working for her boss and dear friend Dr Richard Gaffney until she retired.

Pat was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, nana and friend. She loved taking trips with her husband, her family vacations every year and her trips with the “Buffalo Girls”. Pat especially loved the annual trip to the cottage where she spent the week with the entire Gourlay and Yager family and lots of friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Christ The King Catholic Church, 21 Cherry Tree Circle, Liverpool, NY 13090.

Donations can be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or St. John XXIII Catholic Community, 24250 North Dixie Highway, Perrysburg OH 43551, Attn. “Garden Club”.

https://www.toledocremation.com/obituaries/Patricia-Yager?obId=29851622

Larry Newton ’72 – 05/02/2024

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2024-06-03
Posted in: News, Obituaries. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Larry passed away on May 2, 2024

Sadly, another of our classmates passed away. Larry Newton died early last month after a courageous battle with lung cancer. His wife Nancy and family will be gathering at Brunners on Friday, June 28th from 4-6 for a Happy Hour in his honor and invite his friends to join them. Rest in Peace Larry – you will be missed. 😢🙏 🙏 (From Kathi Cirringione ’72)

RoseMarie (Marinese) Burns ’48 – 04/10/2024

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2024-05-28
Posted in: News, Obituaries. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

RoseMarie (Marinese) Burns ’48 – 04/10/2024

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.

Published by Buffalo News on May 26, 2024.

Rose Marie passed away on April 10, 2024

Original Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/buffalonews/name/rosemarie-burns-obituary?pid=206968836

Alumni News: Robert Schiller ’77 is a Professor of the Practice of Cinematic Arts at USC

Posted by amherstalumnioffice on 2024-05-24
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

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.

From the University of Southern California’s website:

“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.”

If you have news you would like to share with the Amherst Alumni community, please email us at alumni@amherstschools.org.