Obituary: Dr. Richard 'Dick' Seibert

In loving memory of Dr. Richard “Dick” Seibert

With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Dick Seibert, who left us on June 5, 2025 – just shy of his 89th birthday.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher and friend, Dick lived a life defined by love, compassion, and quiet strength. He was married for 59 years to the love of his life, Bev, whose memory he cherished deeply after her passing. Their enduring partnership and love were a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew them.

Born and raised in Defiance, Ohio, he was the youngest of six children of Genevieve and Frank Seibert. After graduating from Defiance High School, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University, and then began his teaching career at nearby Perrysburg High School.

In 1964, he moved with his family to Grand Island, and later earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University at Buffalo.

For 33 years, Dick was a beloved professor at Buffalo State College, where he was known for his intellect, empathy, and unwavering commitment to his students. His work focused on the sociology of the family and violence, and he led the department’s internship program for many years. He received New York state’s highest teaching honor, the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and played a foundational role in creating the Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) program, serving on its early board and leadership team.

His humor, warmth and steady presence shaped the lives not only of those he loved, but also of everyone around him. A lifelong reader and traveler, Dick also enjoyed golf and had a wide-ranging love of music, from classical to Dixieland.

He was the father of Terri (Mark) Bellanca, Chris (Mark) Bonn and the late Scott Seibert; grandfather to Kevin (Jennica) Bellanca, Karen (Kyle) Belles, Jeff (Stephanie) Bellanca, Eric Bellanca, Zak Seibert, Tyler Seibert and Katie (Mike) McFarland; and great-grandfather of Connor, Bryce, Elsie, Iris, Cameron, Sophie, Olivia and Mikey.

A celebration of life memorial will be held at Trinity Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo.

Dr. Dick Seibert will be remembered always – for the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the enduring love he gave so freely.

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