Bishop Richard Malone is pleased to announce that Michael E. Attea is the new Director of Cemeteries for the Diocese of Buffalo. Attea has served Catholic Cemeteries for over twelve years as a Family Service Counselor and Development Manager.

As Director, Attea will oversee the operation of Catholic cemeteries seven locations across Western New York. His primary function is to assure they are fiscally self-sustaining and operated in accordance with civil and church laws and guidelines. The Director is the Chief Executive, Fiscal and Operating Officer of the cemeteries with responsibility for the management and direction of all operations, programs, activities and affairs of the cemeteries. "It's been a gratifying 12 years at Catholic Cemeteries. There's such satisfaction and fulfillment in helping people and families in their time of need," Attea said.

Before joining the Catholic Cemeteries team, Attea served as Store Manager with FWS for 17 years and as a Sales Consultant for Keyser Cadillac. Attea replaces Carmen Colao, who retired from the Diocese after forty years, thirty of which were as Director of Catholic Cemeteries. Attea stepped into his new position on September 27.