Albert J. Pautler, Jr.

Albert J. Pautler Jr., of Williamsville, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91. He was the devoted husband and best friend of his late wife, Marilyn J. (nee Stock) Pautler, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and adventure.

Al grew up in Cheektowaga, attending Our Lady Help of Christians grade school and Bishop Neumann High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts Education and a Master of Science in Education, both from Buffalo State College. During high school, Al joined the National Guard Army Reserve and proudly served from 1953 to 1959, leaving with the rank of Master Sergeant. His service fostered a lifelong admiration for the military, and he especially cherished attending graduation ceremonies at Parris Island, South Carolina.

A lifelong educator, Al began his career teaching electronics, shop math and driver education at Maryvale High School. During those early years, while raising his young family and teaching full time, he earned his Doctor of Education from the University of Buffalo, a milestone that shaped the rest of his distinguished academic career.

In 1967, he moved his family to New Jersey to join Rutgers University and began his work in higher education. He later returned to the University of Buffalo in 1970, where he spent three decades in the School of Education. He retired in 2000 as full Professor Emeritus, leaving a legacy of scholarship, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to education, especially vocational education. His influence extended beyond Buffalo through visiting professorships at McGill University and Nova University.

His passion for education guided his teaching, research and advocacy. Al was also a prolific writer, publishing ten books, authoring numerous academic journals and contributing many My View articles to The Buffalo News. His commitment to education was recognized when he was named Educator of the Year by Junior Achievement of WNY in 1997.

His students remained central to his life, many becoming lifelong friends. He especially enjoyed reconnecting online with former driver education students, always asking with good humor about their driving records.

Al’s faith was an important part of his life. He was a longtime member of the UB Newman Center, where he found community, friendship and spiritual connection. He deeply valued the people of the parish and the many friendships he formed there. In addition to his students, Al cherished the many friends he made throughout his life, as well as neighbors who offered companionship, support and kindness over the years. Each played a meaningful role in his life and brought joy to his days.

Outside the classroom, Al embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He and Marilyn traveled extensively throughout their marriage and into retirement. He was an avid skier, sailor and tennis player. Al was also an enthusiastic amateur radio operator, proudly using his call sign WA2LWO to connect with fellow radio hobbyists near and far. After retiring, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming a private pilot. Flying over the skies of Western New York brought him tremendous joy and he often shared his aerial adventures on Facebook, delighting friends and family.Al will be deeply missed by all who knew him and his memory will live on in the many lives he touched.

In addition to his wife Marilyn, he was predeceased by his loving parents Albert Sr. and Margaret, infant son and brother-in-law Harold Stock.

He is survived by his beloved children Mark (Jeannine) Pautler, Ann (Yuri) Pautler, Mary (Michael) Maisano and Michael (Dianne) Pautler; his treasured grandchildren Lindsay (Ben) Tomins, Alex (Kaitlyn) Pautler, Paige (Andrew) Hanchulak, Mackenzie Pautler, Gina (Dr. Christian) Curatolo and Anthony Maisano; and his great-grandchildren he adored, McKenna, Sophie, Josie, Michael, Jack and Alessio. He is also survived by his caring sister-in-law, Jane Stock, brother-in-law, Bob (Peggy) Stock, along with many cousins and dear friends who enriched his life with their friendship.

There will be no prior visitation. Arrangements entrusted to the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, NY 14131. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the UB Newman Center, 495 Skinnersville Road, Amherst at 10 AM. Family and friends invited. 

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to UB Newman Center, 495 Skinnersville Road, Amherst, NY 14228 or Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 4975 Strickler Road, Clarence NY 14031.

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