Gary F. Filsinger was born in Buffalo, New York, on March 29, 1936. He graduated from Amherst Central High School in Snyder, New York, and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. There, he studied Chinese language and English literature, and was part of the English honors program. He later attended the University of Buffalo in their teaching program but left to pursue a career in acting in New York City.
Mr. Filsinger was involved in many off-off Broadway productions as both an actor and director. At the former Cafe Cino, he was involved in the original production of “Dames at Sea” with Bernadette Peters. He was also involved in children’s theater with Kay Rockefeller. Filsinger worked as an actor and served as an artistic director at the Theater at Monmouth in Maine in the late 1960s, and as artistic director of the Undercroft Players (an Actors Equity showcase theater) for 12 years in the early 2000s at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York. He later sang in opera productions at Trinity with composer and director David Clenny.
Mr. Filsinger was also employed in the communications departments at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Reformed Church in America, and the Episcopal Church. He was a member of Actors Equity and Trinity Lutheran Church.
His great uncle William Zacharias was a member of the Buffalo Philharmonic in the 1950s, and his grandfather Martin B. Heisler ran for Congress for the Erie County area in 1930.
Mr. Filsinger is survived by his loving cousins Carol Heisler Lett and family of Williamsville, New York, and Grand Island, and other Heisler cousins in Buffalo and Rochester, and Texas, by Sandra Filsinger Hassinger and family of Florida and Buffalo, and by the family of his deceased cousin Dr. Gordon Kauderer of Williamsville; by his longtime partner and former spouse, David Clenny, of New York City; and by his sister, Cheryl Filsinger Held, and brother-in-law George Held, of Bronxville, New York, and Sag Harbor, New York. His parents, Frederick Harold Filsinger and Erna Heisler Filsinger, predeceased him. Mr. Filsinger’s earliest ancestors in America were Mennonites in Pennsylvania in the early 1700s.
As we approach the close of another wonderful and exciting year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your continued generosity, enthusiasm, and support of the Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, Inc. Our community once again demonstrated what makes Amherst truly special: a commitment to excellence, to tradition, and to investing in the success of future generations.
This year marked our first annual Meat Raffle, and it was a tremendous success. With over 150 participants and the help of our dedicated community partners and sponsors, the event exceeded all expectations and contributed significantly to our fundraising efforts. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this new tradition such a fun and memorable experience—and we are already looking forward to our next Meat Raffle this coming May. Get your Kentucky Derby hats ready!
Thanks to your contributions, we raised $17,452.11 this year to support the ACAF mission and vision. Your support allowed us to fund $23,491.94 in grants during the 2024–2025 school year, directly enriching the educational experiences of Amherst students and educators. With your help, we have now proudly surpassed $213,110.49 in total grants awarded all-time—a remarkable milestone for our foundation and for the district we serve.
This year also marked two important moments for our organization. We were honored to award the first-ever Dimp Wagner Scholarship to a graduating Amherst Senior, carrying forward a legacy of dedication and school spirit. This scholarship will continue to honor Dimp’s memory and help students strive for their dreams after Amherst. In addition, we celebrated the return of the Distinguished Alumni and Faculty Emeritus Ceremony, the first held since COVID. It was a joy to once again gather in recognition of those who have made extraordinary contributions to our schools and community.
None of these achievements would be possible without you. Whether you attended an event, made a donation, volunteered your time, or simply shared your Tiger Pride, you have helped strengthen the Amherst tradition for generations past, present, and future.
On behalf of the Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, Inc., I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and restful holiday season. Thank you for making this year exceptional—and here’s to an inspiring year ahead.
All the best,
Samantha Sweeney-General Class of 2007 President Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, Inc.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, is Giving Tuesday. Please consider a gift to the Amherst Central Alumni Foundation. Click here for more information.
Please consider a gift to the Amherst Central Alumni Foundation on Giving Tuesday!
The Amherst Central Alumni Foundation, through generous donations from alumni, provides financial support to programs that enhance the student experience throughout the Amherst Central School District. The foundation is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our donors help bridge the gap between basic funding and what Amherst students truly need to excel. Any amount helps.
Since 2003, our grant program has given over $213,000 to the students of the Amherst Central School District,
Sarah Rogers Lempko, 64, of Buffalo, NY, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, after a week surrounded by loved ones.
Sarah was known for her kindness, warmth, and easy smile, the kind of person who made everyone feel welcomed. Growing up, she was a fun-loving athlete, a nurse, and a great friend and sister. Later, she devoted her life to her children, with constant involvement across practices, swim meets, PTA events, and more. She loved them deeply.
In recent years, Sarah found peace and friendship through her AA community. She was the first to welcome anyone new and was always ready with a smile and care. She loved the beach and a good sunset, simple joys that reflected her open heart and gentle spirit.
She is survived by her children, Marissa, Michael, and Morgan Lempko, her siblings, and many close friends who held a special place in her heart.
Relatives and friends may visit PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1671 Maple Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221 on Thursday (November 6, 2025) from 11am to 1pm. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1pm.
Sarah will be deeply missed by all who knew her and remembered for her warmth, humor, and love.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Educator Emeritus and Distinguished Alumni awards ceremony on Thursday, October 23. It was an honor to celebrate these awardees with Tiger Pride.
The Amherst Central Alumni Chorale entertained attendees before the ceremony.
Ginny Rusk (Chair for the Event) began the awards ceremony by welcoming honorees and attendees.
Dr. Dale Bosworth – Educator Emeritus Awardee
DR. DALE BOSWORTH – Art teacher at the Amherst Central Middle School. Dr. Bosworth spent most of his 43 years teaching art at the Middle School. During this time, he also designed, constructed and painted scenery for over 30 musicals. In retirement, he’s still involved with creating scenery for both Middle School and High School musicals. He’s been designing jewelry for over 45 years in addition to painting and sculpting.
Joanna Ransom – Educator Emeritus Awardee
MRS. JOANNA RANSOM – 3rd grade teacher at Smallwood Drive Elementary School. Joanna began her teaching career at Harlem Rd., but spent most of her career at Smallwood. She was part of an innovative program where each teacher taught reading and math based on students’ ability, and also a specialty subject, hers being science. In retirement, Joanna works with her husband in his rare book business and enjoys gardening at her country home, oil painting, and the company of her friends.
Steve Thomas – Educator Emeritus Awardee
MR. STEVEN THOMAS – Music teacher at the Amherst Central High School. After retiring from Amherst, Steve currently teaches at Alfred University, conducts the orchestra, and offers lessons on all stringed instruments and piano. He is a founding member, violinist, and conductor at the MostArts Festival at Alfred and first violinist of the Oakgrove String Quartet. Steve is also a pianist and director for area high school musical productions. A former student who nominated Mr. Thomas, Caryn Domzalski ’01 wrote, “he was down to earth, supportive of students, and an excellent teacher. He was easy to talk to and made orchestra a fun experience.”
David Maul – Educator Emeritus Awardee (Posthumously) Pictured: Michelle Maul Webb and Michael Maul – David Maul’s Children
MR. DAVID MAUL (POSTHUMOUSLY) – Principal of Windermere Drive Elementary School. David grew up in Buffalo, NY, and attended State University College at Buffalo to attain his teaching degree. He garnered achievements and recognition through two distinct yet overlapping careers: one in education and the other in the military. After obtaining his master’s degree, he began serving as both teacher and administrator, then rose to become the principal of Eggert Road Elementary School. He then moved to Windermere Elementary School, where he served as the senior elementary school principal until his retirement.
Carolyn Russell – Educator Emeritus Awardee (Posthumously) Pictured: Rosemary Dayton and Karen Russell accepting award
MS. CAROLYN RUSSELL (POSTHUMOUSLY) – Teacher’s Aide & member of the Amherst Central Alumni Chorale. Carolyn assisted with college applications in the guidance office. But she was most remembered for being an accompanist for the Amherst Central Alumni Chorale. A few years ago, alumna Karen D. Tunis-Manny ’74 wrote, “Carolyn Russell was equal parts teacher, mentor, and partner. The choir consisted of young and old with varying levels of competence, talent, and abilities. Carolyn was the great unifier, and her musical ability was a gift to those who sang in the choir. We could not have established and sustained the Alumni Chorale without her”.
Rev. Stephen Biegner – Distinguished Alumni Awardee
REV. STEPHEN BIEGNER ‘89 – Steve is the pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (the church next to Brunner’s) and the Executive Director of the WNY Impact Foundation. Steve has developed and grown several churches across New York State, helping them reconnect with their local communities in impactful ways. He led St. Paul’s to clarify their passion in battling food insecurity through the launch of the Tiger’s Den Food Pantry and Daily Bread Food Truck. He also serves as the Chaplain of Erie County Emergency Services, covering 93 volunteer firehouses, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, and Mercy Flight.
Archie Dean – Distinguished Alumni Awardee
ARCHIBALD “ARCHIE” DEAN ‘55 – Archie went through the Amherst School system K-12 with his twin sister Sylvia. He was a class officer and played basketball, baseball, and soccer. After graduating from Bowling Green State University, he was a Naval officer in the Pacific, first aboard the USS Hornet & Third Marine Division. He worked in Hong Kong for many years, sold European cars to the military, and operated a custom clothing business. While living in central Mexico, he authored 19 editions of a best-selling guidebook. Archie has arranged and organized a dozen class reunions and published a reunion book for the Class of 1955. He lives in Northern CA near his son and family.
James Gallery accepting Distinguished Alumni Award on behalf of Jeremy and Margaret Jacobs
JEREMY JACOBS & MARGARET (PEGGY) DAVIS JACOBS ‘58 – Jeremy is the Chairman of global hospitality and food service company, Delaware North Companies, its headquarters located in Buffalo, NY. In 1975, Jeremy acquired the Boston Bruins. He has held numerous leadership roles in the NHL including serving on the league’s Audit, Finance and Executive Committees and Chairman of the NHL Board of Governors, a role that he holds today. He and Peggy are two of the community’s most dedicated philanthropists, investing in our WNY community. Jeremy and Peggy made a historic donation of $30 million to UB School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and have been invaluable to the UB Council for 30 years. They also support other non-profit organizations in WNY and throughout the United States. Peggy is an accomplished photographer, and active outdoorswoman. She has published multiple books documenting her candid photographic work.
Julie Pace – Distinguished Alumni Awardee
JULIE PACE ’00 – Julie is Sr. VP and Executive Editor of the Associated Press, leading global news coverage from more than 100 countries. Since she assumed the role in 2021, AP has significantly expanded its digital news offerings, been awarded three Pulitzer Prizes, and produced an award-winning documentary on the Ukraine war that won an Academy Award and a BAFTA. Before that, Julie was AP’s White House Correspondent and won the White House Correspondents’ Association Merriman Smith award in 2013 for her work explaining the Obama campaign’s complex approach to voter turnout. Julie is a graduate of Northwestern University and lives in New York.
David Dean – Distinguished Alumni Awardee (Posthumously) Keith Dean (David’s Son) accepting award from Amherst Central Alumni Foundation Board Member Marilyn Rohl.
DR. DAVID DEAN (POSTHUMOUSLY) ’48 – David was the Chief Cardiologist at the Buffalo Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center from 1962-1991. He pioneered medical innovations, received awards, held offices, educated his peers and published numerous research papers. When he retired, he was a consultant for many hospitals in the Buffalo area. He also helped the Snyder Fire Department establish the first CPR program and trained responders in Buffalo and Town of Amherst.
DOUGLAS VOLGENAU (POSTHUMOUSLY) ’55 – Douglas was a Rear Admiral in the U S Navy. He was an Honor Company Commander at the time he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1959. Douglas was selected for the nuclear submarine program and served 32 years on active duty. After retiring from the Navy, Douglas worked another 20 years as a consultant for DOD and DOE. He’s also been a long-time supporter of the Alumni Foundation.
Tiger Tracks 