Paul R. Homer

Paul R. Homer passed away peacefully, on April 10, 2025, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathryn (Szely) Homer, children Katharine Bartelo (Joseph), Christine Homer, and Paul Homer (Melinda Carpenter), and grandchildren, Joseph and Nicholas Bartelo, Lucy and Kathryn Homer, and multiple nieces and nephews.
Born in the Bronx on December 1, 1928, Paul was a gifted pianist and musician. He pursued that gift through his education, earning, both his undergraduate and Master of Arts degree in Music Education, from Columbia University Teachers College, in 1950.
Paul was drafted to serve in the Army during the Korean War. He attended basic training in Ft. Jackson, SC and served his time as the drum major on base from June 1951 – 1953. Paul was grateful to participate in the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight in November 2017 where he connected with other WNY veterans.
Paul was an extraordinary musician, and he shared his gift with the greater Buffalo community in many ways. He was a Teaching Professor of Music at Buffalo State University from 1953 - 1996, educating and inspiring thousands of students and many future teachers and musicians. Paul decided to retire from teaching when classes included the grandchildren of his original class members. But the work did not end there.
Paul served as a church organist since the age of 14. In Buffalo for over 50 years, from 1968 – 2019, one could find him every Sunday morning at Central Park United Methodist Church behind the organ and conducting his beloved choir. His dedication to the church and its members was felt by his steady presence, his deep relationships with members of the choir and church community, and through the mellifluous melodies that filled the sanctuary each week. Paul welcomed all to the choir, with or without musical background, and guided them to contribute as they were able.
Paul's contributions to the musical community were much greater than these long-held roles. He was a revered and dedicated accompanist, sharing his talents with countless musicians, both professional and hobbyists, for over 70 years. In addition, he served as Vice President on the Board of Trustees for the Chamber Music Society of Buffalo. He was known for his year-end talk at the final concert, inviting those present to continue to support the Chamber Music Society and the arts in Buffalo.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Central Park United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family invites everyone to donate to the Paul R and Kathryn M Homer Endowed Music Scholarship at Buffalo State University and designate the fund.