Father Donald L. Measer, known for his work in campus ministry, died March 9, 2020. He was 88 years old.
Born Sept. 21, 1931, in Buffalo, he attended Blessed Trinity School and Bennett High School, both in Buffalo. He went on to attend the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary and then Our Lady of the Angels Seminary at Niagara University and St. John Vianney Seminary in East Aurora.
Bishop Leo Smith ordained Father Measer on March 9, 1963, at St. Joseph's New Cathedral in Buffalo. He went on to serve in the Missionary Apostolate at Holy Family, Machias. Then he served as assistant at Mother of Divine Grace, Cheektowaga, and Our Lady of Lourdes, Buffalo, while also serving as the chaplain of Bryant & Stratton Business Institute. Father Measer became chaplain of the Newman Club at Fredonia State Teachers College in 1976, then became campus minister of Daemen College, Amherst in 1981. In July 1984, he began his only pastorate at St. Lawrence, Buffalo, retiring for health reasons April 1992.
He is predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Hazel (Fortkort) Measer, and a sister, Mary Schwert.
Father Measer will lie in state at St. Amelia Church, 2999 Eggert Road, Tonawanda, on Thursday, March 12 from 3-6 p.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 6 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Edward M. Grosz.