Mary Beth Spina, UB News Services Editor, Dies at 59

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Mary Beth Spina was a legend in her own time and among everyone whose life she touched. Eccentric, sardonic, good-natured, wildly expressive, she spent more than 40 years in the fields of journalism and press relations, the majority of it as coordinator of radio and television coverage for the University at Buffalo Office of News Services.

Spina died Sunday (July 8, 2001) in her Clarence home. She was 59.

Although she suffered for years with chronic and increasingly debilitating illness, she played out her professional life with panache and boundless energy. She rarely missed work and was at her desk the Friday before her death.

"Mary Beth was a truly unique and unforgettable person, a real 'character,"' said Arthur Page, UB director of news services and a friend of nearly 30 years.

"As a professional, she built lasting and strong relationships on behalf of UB with the news media and scores of reporters, and always was responsive to their needs no matter what time of day or night they contacted her," Page noted.

"She wasn't big in stature, but she had an exceptionally big heart and touched so many people in so many special ways. She will be missed by many, many people."

Spina was born and raised in Johnson City, Tenn., and earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism from the University of Tennessee. She worked for more than 40 years in the fields of journalism and public relations, including stints as a general assignment reporter for the Johnson City Press-Chronicle (1958-60), the Knoxville News-Sentinel (1966-69) and the former Buffalo Courier-Express (1969).

After working for a year as public relations associate for the Western New York Hospital Association and then a year as a public-relations consultant in Tennessee, she served as director of public relations at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville from 1971-74.

Spina joined the staff of the University at Buffalo Office of News Services in 1974. She worked as health-sciences editor until 1982 when she assumed the responsibilities of radio/television coordinator.

She was known throughout Western New York -- and by many press outlets throughout the country -- for her writing, professional expertise and ability to "find an expert" for reporters on virtually any subject at any hour of the day or night.

Armed with a sense of humor, raspy voice and a Southern accent that became more pronounced the longer she lived in the Buffalo area, she was dogged in her pursuit of press for her "stars" -- UB faculty members whose media savvy and expertise in pertinent fields kept Spina hot on their tails.

Among them was attorney and psychologist Charles Patrick Ewing, a member of the UB Law School faculty, author of "Kids Who Kill" and a nationally recognized expert on children and violence.

"She was one of the first people I met in 1983 when I came to UB," Ewing recalled, "and she was one of the most unforgettable people I've ever met.

"Whenever I spoke with her she made me feel like the most important person in the world. I think that was the secret of her success. When she talked to people she made everyone -- reporters, editors, co-workers, faculty members, pals, even perfect strangers -- feel like they, too, were the most important people in the world.

"That may be why she could get editors, reporters, producers -- anyone -- to do anything! It was that and her incredible persistence. No task was too daunting for her. She'd call me at 11 at night and tell me about some national news I hadn't even heard of yet and within a half-hour, I'd be getting calls from reporters from all over the country.

"She knew I liked baseball and once found an old photo of the Cincinnati Reds and sent it to me. Every year at Christmas, she'd send me a baseball book she'd found or something that showed that she was thinking of me and I know she did that with many, many people. She'd remember my kids, their interests, their problems, things I said 15 years ago -- things even I didn't remember. She had an amazing memory and a great consideration for others."

"For someone as ill as she was, she had great optimism," Ewing said. "She had a cynical side, too, but there was a warm, trusting, side of Mary Beth that I found astonishing and that I always will remember. I'm grateful to have known her and I'm going to miss her very much."

Spina will be remembered as well for her extroverted personality, garrulousness and willingness to assist individuals in crisis, including any stranger who dialed her telephone number.

"If you or anyone you loved needed help with any illness, no matter how obscure -- heck, if your dog or cat needed help -- she would astound you with her response," said one of her co-workers.

"She'd find you the latest research on a condition, its prognosis and treatment, hook you up with the top experts in the area, call them to be sure they saw you and follow up your case for the rest of her life! You always knew she was there for you. You might be sick, afraid or grief-stricken, but you would never, ever be alone as long as Mary Beth was in the world."

"She was an amazing person," added Eva Koepsell, assistant to the chair of the UB Department of Philosophy. "I know she could drive some people nuts sometimes, but I loved her. She was above all else, one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known."

Spina is survived by her longtime companion, Michael Cervi.

A memorial service will be held at UB in September. Donations in Spina's memory may be made payable to the University at Buffalo Foundation, in care of the Mary Beth Spina Memorial Fund, and sent to the University at Buffalo Foundation, Box 900, Buffalo, N.Y. 14226.