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William Stanton Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for William Stanton
Justin Hayden
May 31, 2004
Father Stanton was a great leader for the South Buffalo community. He made his masses both educational and fun by using his stories which would always get a laugh from the church. He will be greatly missed.
Joan Pembroke
February 5, 2004
We are saddened by the death of our beloved Father{Monsignor} William Stanton. Our acquaintance began when he came to St. Bridgets as Pastor in 1968. Father Stanton has been a friend all through the years in good times and sad times.
He will be greatly missed.
The Pembroke Family
Newfane
Mary Farrell Hegarty
February 3, 2004
Farewell to a truly remarkable South Buffalo saint. Father Stanton had such an amazing gift for bringing the gospel's message to our everyday lives. Having an opportunity to hear Father Stanton's homily was one of the highlights of our visits home. I feel blessed to have known him.
Ronnie OHara
February 1, 2004
I learned so much from you. You said you were sent to teach and not to judge and that is what you did. Iwill remember you in my prayers and in my everyday living.
Allan Daul
January 26, 2004
As a young student going through a significant life transition, Fr. Bill was there for me with all his gentleness and support. He was a gift to my family and one of the most insightful and intelligent people I have ever known. He gave a beautiful humanity to living a faith-centered life. I will always remember how pastorally he presided at my father's funeral. A lover of opera and good scotch, he was simply the best. I watched the very first Superbowl with him in his family home. His mere presence made religion, sports, community concerns and all things so meaningful.
Diane (Dreher) Waite
January 23, 2004
My heartfelt prayers go out to Father Stanton's family. Without his love and intervention back at St. Bridget's in Newfane in 1975, I might still be trapped in an abusive marriage in Western New York. Today I am the principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Killeen (Ft. Hood), TX. So much of who I am now I owe to this "saint." May he rest in Christ's peace.
Thank you, Father.
George C Jennings
January 23, 2004
Father Bill was the greatest man I have ever known in my 83 years. He was such a comfort to my beautiful wife June and our family while she was dying of ALS...Having him for a dear friend was one of God's blessings
Michael Puskar
January 20, 2004
Father Stanton was my friend for over 25 years. He will truly be missed not only by St. Ambrose Parish, but by all of South Buffalo and Western New York. I bet he is running up and down the aisle in heaven telling everyone all his stories. My condolences to his family.
Dorothy Goodwin
January 17, 2004
Thank you, Father Bill, for the happy and sad times you shared with me and my family.
I feel I am a better person because I crossed paths with you in this life.
Peg O'Connor
January 16, 2004
I will never forget Father Stanton's first mass at ST Ambrose when he came off the altar and walked down the center isle. Where is he going I thought? There he was,giving his homily in the midst
of his congregation, which was so reflective of his actual hands-on ministry.
For myself and my mother we will always remember his presence to my
dying twin sister, Pat' Then there
was the special help he continued to give to me.
The "Saint Ambrose Community" he called us and we were blest to have
such a special presence in the very
person of Father Stanton. He literally brought Vatican II off the pages of the book into something very vibrant and meaningful to our parish. His special presence truly resonated in his humor, that special glint in his eye and his ceaseless ministry which extended well beyond the boundaries of St Ambrose. May he rest in peace.
Joanne Farrell Oscadal
January 15, 2004
Our trips home to Buffalo will simply not be the same without hearing one of Father Stanton's homilies. He was blessed with a great gift for bringing the gospel alive and inspiring us to be better people. I picture him in heaven sharing a Scotch and Vermont Cabot cheese with Pope John XXIII... "It doesn't get any better than this". We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Lisa (Donovan) Franke
January 15, 2004
Fr. Stanton was one of the most loving and truly selfless people I have ever met. He was such an important part of my life and my family's life. He married my husband and I and couldn't have made it more special.
The world is truly a better place because of him. I feel proud to have known him and feel inspired to be a better person because of him. I credit him for the faith I have today.
Cindy (Forcucci)Klimowicz
January 14, 2004
Fr. Stanton brought such joy to all the lives he touched. A weekend mass will not go by when I won't think about him celebrating mass and how he always made us laugh. He has truly made a difference in my life and will be greatly missed.
Kari Wallover
January 14, 2004
Father Stanton was a close friend of my family. He married my husband and I at St. Ambrose. The ceremony was so personal and lighthearted, he made my husband's out of town family feel so welcome. A wonderful, intellegent person - he will be missed.
Catherine Leitner
January 14, 2004
Msgr. Stanton was an incredible friend to our family throughout many years. He was a pillar of strength and grace through a difficult time, I will always treasure his kindness. He touched the lives of so many and will live on through those of us who loved him. I am blessed to have known Fr. Stanton.
J. Terry & Mary Pat McLaughlin
January 13, 2004
Fr. Stanton was my high school advisor, later christened my three children, one at St. Bridget's, the other two at St. Ambrose. He was the priest you wish every Catholic could have. He was the priest you wanted to be at mass, so it meant more than attending a worship. The problem of today's church wouldn't be their, if their where more Father Bill's.
Marie Baumgarten & Debby Smith
January 13, 2004
Father Stanton comforted me at the time of need for myself and my family.We will miss him.He was a good friend for over 25 years.I'm sure he will be among the saints in heaven Marie & Debby (East Otto,NY)
JOAN SCAHILL
January 12, 2004
FR. STANTON HAS BEEN PART OF MY SPIRITUAL LIFE FOR ALL OF THE YEARS HE WAS AT ST. AMBROSE. HE HAS HELPED ME GROW IN MY FAITH AND WAS ALWAYS THERE WHEN ANYONE NEEDED HIM. HE WAS A HOLY MAN AHEAD OF HIS TIME. THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR ALL OF US.
Mary Pawela
January 12, 2004
Fr. Stanton was such an integral part of South Buffalo and so many lives. He had the strength, humor, wit and compasion of no other. He helped share in so many important times in my family and many other families lives. You will live on in all of us. We miss you already.
colleen farrell-holman
January 12, 2004
Sincere condolences to the family of Father Stanton.
Jon Schum
January 12, 2004
I am among the many Bill Stanton mentored. I served as a priest in the Diocese of Buffalo for 20+ years, and he was consistently a man of vision, courage and compassion. On his trips to Boston he always called so we could see one another. His stories are legendary and they will echo in my heart for a long, long time to come.
Tom & Mary Donovan
January 12, 2004
Msgr. Stanton was a family friend & confident for over 30 years. He married five of our daughters and baptized 8 of our 10 grandchildren.Fr. Bill was there to console us during family deaths and serious illnesses and always knew what to say to help us through these trying times. We always felt he was part of our family just as so many others did. He visited our home many, many times told his wonderful stories in only a special way that he could. We will truly miss him but will never forget him.
Emily Leitner
January 12, 2004
Mgsr. Stanton played a very big part in my family's life. I am very lucky to say that I have had the privilege to sit and talk with him on many occasions. I will cherish all the famous stories and laughs that my family and I have shared with Mgsr. Stanton.
Susan Roman
January 12, 2004
It is with great sadness that we must say goodbye to such a wonderful and inspirational man. Father Bill made church fun and included the audience in his services in a way that only he could do. Father Stanton was St. Ambrose. Always on our minds and forever in our hearts.
The Roman Family
Tim Barry
January 12, 2004
Father Stanton was all about love. His love for Christ and his fellow man was evident in everything he did. His masses were a work of art - I always left with a smile on my face and a stronger faith. I was blessed to have had him as a friend and I will miss him dearly. Father Duke's mass tonight truly was a beautiful celebration of "a wonderful life."
Kim Callahan
January 11, 2004
As a student of St. Ambrose Parish, Msgr. Stanton played an integral role in the beliefs and values I carry with me today. He was a dear friend to our family and will be missed.
Jean Jennings-Brown
January 11, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Fr Bill's family. As a dear friend to our family, I am so very sad to hear about his death and will miss him. I am most grateful for the comforting words he had for us at my mother's funeral. He had a gift to make people feel better even during lifes most difficult. trials. Fr Bill was a kind and selfless gentleman.
With warmest regards to his family,
Jean Jennings
The Forcucci Family
January 11, 2004
Fr. Bill - All of Heaven is rejoicing as you arrive "home". We will all miss you terribly but know you are in a better place. You truly lived the Gospels and taught us how to do the same. Thanks for everything. It has been an honor and privilege to know you and to have had you as a part of our lives.
Julann Forcucci
January 11, 2004
Goodbye Fr. Bill. You know I love you and how I wish I could be there for a final farewell. All of the Forcucci Family will miss you. You brought joy to everyone who knew you, and filled us with love. Be at Peace in God's loving arms.
Sally Zak
January 11, 2004
Msgr.Stanton will be missed by many. He was a great soul and had a wonderful spirit..always upbeat and a wonderful person, we've known him many years.. May God reward him for all his kindness he spread on this earth.. The Zak family of Eden,NY
mary goodwin
January 11, 2004
I picture Fr. Stanton, in Heaven,with a tall glass of good scotch, opera playing in the background having a heated debate with the other angels about Vatcan II or the Bills. It is still sooo hard to believe-you are missed already!
Mary Goodwin and the boys
Micky & Bill Leppard
January 11, 2004
He was a great Priest, and an engaging speaker! He will be sadly missed by all who's lives he touched.
Michelle Kowalski
January 11, 2004
What an honor and priviledge to have known this great man. Every major event in my adult live (our wedding, christening of our children, their first confessions, first communions, the funeral masses of my grandparents) has had Father Stanton as a central part.
I know this feeling is multiplied over and over for all the lives he has touched. St. Ambrose Parish came alive when Father Stanton came to us and we will be forever thankful. God Bless.
Judy Chiz
January 11, 2004
What can one say about a man who has touched so many lifes in such a wonderful way. He has truly been an inspiration to ALL of our lives.
Sue Burtless
January 11, 2004
Fr. Stanton made you want to be a better person, he was the most sincere and honest person I have ever known. It was like he was a member of everybody's family, I really couldn't imagine a time he wouldn't be here. He is with us forever in who we choose to be.
Joseph & Colleen Felong
January 11, 2004
Fr. Stanton was a dear friend and confessor to my entire family. I spent many happy hours knowing and associating with him. He was a God send to St. Ambrose parish and will be missed greatly.
Tom Kolarczyk
January 11, 2004
There isn't enough room for me to write what Fr. Bill has meant to my life and to my family. I can't thank him enough for being there when I needed him and for his gift of just "being real".
Joseph Smith
January 10, 2004
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Msgr Stanton. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few times on my visits to Buffalo. He was a good friend to my Aunt, DeChantal Barrett.
Laurie (Donovan) Smietana
January 10, 2004
Fr. Stanton had a way of leaving an impression on every single person who met him. He was a huge part of my family and made every wedding or baptism or whatever he did very special by just being a part of it.
St. Ambrose was truly blessed when they sent him to us!
larkin family ewings road
January 10, 2004
vatican ll sends st bridgets, newfane a pastor of the times.fr stanton is a special gift and spirit that will live in our hearts and church forever.birth,baptism,wedding or funeral.fr "wild bill" never missed a good party.our thoughts and prayers to his family.he was a great force to our faith.and we know we've been touched by an angel.
Maria Markel
January 10, 2004
Father Stanton will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by the retired Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Convent and the staff. Our condolences to the family.
Michelle Polonski
January 10, 2004
Father Stanton was truly a great man...an example of what a person and a religious leader should be. He will be missed by everyone he touched in even the smallest way. Rest in peace.
Stan Polonski
January 10, 2004
I true pillar in the South Buffalo Community. He touched and strengthened the faith of many on a community-wide to individual basis. He will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.
MJ Graham
January 10, 2004
Father Stanton was a rare and beautiful person. His spirit can now truly soar.
The Clark Family
January 10, 2004
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MONSIGNOR BILL STANTON, HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL HIS FRIENDS AT ST. BRIDGETS, IN NEWFANE, OUR ANGEL HAS BEEN TAKEN HOME, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.
jeff abram
January 10, 2004
I want to tell you how much Father Staton touched my life. I was a fatherless boy whom he befriended. He strengthen my belief in God, he was like a father to me. He made me laugh and not be afraid to face life's challenges. His positve outgoing personality esp toward religion helped me. I will never forget him, he lives forever in my heart. Thank you for being such a good friend.
Jeffery Abram
Michele Dubiel (Flaherty)
January 10, 2004
Msgr. Stanton was a great man. He helped my family and I through tough times. He always knew how to make us laugh. He will be greatly missed, as he is loved my many. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Maura Fortkort, OSF
January 10, 2004
My sympathy to all who have known Bill Stanton. He has been a good friend and will be missed.
Bill and Sue Gorman
January 10, 2004
He was truly a great man. He will be missed. Our sympathy to his family.
colleen donovan
January 9, 2004
I cant think of one special event of my family,that this very special man wasnt a major part of. I was lucky enough to have the honor of cutting his hair the past few years, and he would still have the ability to enthrall a room with his stories, and he did just that in my salon. He will be greatly missed.
Gloria Polland
January 9, 2004
"Let your light so shine..."
Father Stanton, the Light of Christ in you was so bright and the stength of all of us.
From my Confirmation, my son's, his wedding to Baptism of my granddaughter, your joy and guidance became our strength. Thank you for being the greatest. You remain within our memories and hearts
always.
Colleen (Farry) Chase
January 9, 2004
As long as I can remember, Fr. Stanton has been (and will continue to be) an inspiration. Since before graduating kindergarten up to the present, he has influenced my life in so many ways. His wisdom, spirituality and humor will never be forgotten. Nor will my gratitude for his teachings about faith, kindness, acceptance and love. I feel privileged and blessed to have known him. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Patrick Finnegan
January 9, 2004
My deepest sympathies to Fr. Stanton's family and to St. Ambrose Parish. He was a gift from God at a time when we needed him and helped my family through very difficult times when we lost our parents. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Kevin Stanton
January 9, 2004
"God will not look you over for medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars" Elbert Hubbard
Thanks Billy...Rest in peace
Tim, Karen and Emily Jennings
January 9, 2004
Fr. Bill was a wonderful priest who was a dear friend of my entire family. His spirit, his friendliness and his homolies will be very much missed.
Kathleen Moore
January 9, 2004
Rest in Peace
Chuck Hall
January 9, 2004
St. Ambrose class of '78.
I have been gone from the parish for many years. Msgr. Stanton was the key person in my life that kept my strong in my Catholic faith through many difficult times. To me that is the best tribute one can offer fo such a wonderful man.
Nancy McNulty, RSM
January 9, 2004
A real prince of a man. Thank you, Bill Stanton, for the gift you are to the Diocese of Buffalo and to so many of us.
mary przepasniak
January 9, 2004
What a great priest, and speaker -he will be missed very much.
Thank you Fr. Stanton for saying mass for the Knights of Equity/Daughters of Erin.
My sincere and deepest sympathy to family.
Patricia Seychew
January 9, 2004
Father (Monsignor) Stanton was a dear man who touched my heart and strengthened my faith. He will hold a special place in my memory and in my heart.
Bill Goodwin
January 9, 2004
If there ever was a life to celebrate, this is it. An advisor to me, a minister to those I love, a friend to hundreds, an inspiration to thousands, a servant to all. Thanks, Bill, a man the likes of whom are rarely found.
Kimberly Chase
January 9, 2004
My sincerest condolences & sympathy to you and your family, Colleen. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers here at the office. KIM
Ellen McNamara
January 9, 2004
I am a former St. Ambrose student and parishoner. I would like to send my condolences to the family. Fr. Stanton presided over my Dad's funeral and our family appreciated all he did. He was an inspiration to all of our family and did imazing things for the parish.
Raymond Frost
January 9, 2004
My sincerest sympathy. I am a 1966 Graduate of Bishop Turner High School.
Tom Cavaretta
January 9, 2004
You will be greatly missed. Thanks for all your support and kind words through the years
Lynn Avery
January 9, 2004
I was saddened today to see this wonderful man had passed on. I feel so blessed to have been his neighbor and friend.
He will be greatly missed.
Donna King
January 9, 2004
God has called another "great one" home to be with him. God Bless
Mary Anderson
January 9, 2004
My deepest sympathy to his family,
Father Duke and all my fellow parishoners at St. Ambrose. He was truly a gift from God, he touched my life and my family in a way no one has ever done. He made everyone in the whole community feel special.
Michael anderson
January 9, 2004
I am really going to miss him. He has been a close friend and an inspiration for over 20 years. I will miss watching the Bills Games with my good friend. One of the Biggest Bills Fans in town, according to Mr. Wilson.
Marie Ulrich
January 9, 2004
He was a positive force for the Ulrich family both as a Man of the Cloth and a friend.
Jill Jennings
January 9, 2004
"Father Bill" was a warm and charming man, a spiritual leader, and a gift to all of us. My condolences to his family.
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