Obituaries

Albert J. Ermanovics, a longtime UB staff member and active member and officer for United University Professions, died Oct. 10 after suffering from congestive heart failure. He was 73.

Ermanovics worked at UB for more than 45 years, most recently as associate director for student life in charge of the Harriman Student Center in Harriman Hall on the South Campus.

“Al was a wealth of knowledge, not only about the history of student unions at UB but the university in general. He would always offer a related bit of history to current situations,” says Thomas Tiberi, director of student life.

“He truly loved coming to work and talking with students; the students who worked in his office enjoyed having him in the office every day,” Tiberi says.

A native of Riga, Latvia, Ermanovics came to the U.S. with his family as a child, settling in the Elmira, New York, area. He attended the University of Rochester, then transferred to UB to continue his pre-med studies. He later earned a master’s degree in sociology from UB, where he was a member of the fencing team and an Air Force ROTC cadet.

Ermanovics joined the UB staff in the 1960s, working as a night manager in the old Norton Union on the South Campus and later in Capen Hall on the North Campus. He continued working in various capacities in the Office of Student Affairs until his death.

He was active in the Buffalo Center Chapter of UUP, the union representing UB faculty and professional staff, serving in a variety of positions over the years, both on the local and statewide levels.

He was treasurer, vice president for professionals and grievance chair for professionals for the local chapter. He also was a board member and delegate for many years, and was serving in those positions at the time of his death.

Statewide, he served as chair of the Grievance Committee and was a member of the Executive Board and the Political Outreach Committee.

Ermanovics’ longtime involvement in the union earned him the title of “Mr. UUP,” according to Buffalo Center Chapter President Tom Tucker.

Tucker says Ermanovics “took me under his wing” when Tucker became involved in the union more than 20 years ago, and he became not only a mentor, but a personal friend. The two were “traveling companions along the 90” on numerous trips over the years to statewide UUP functions in Albany, Tucker says.

“He will be missed dearly,” Tucker says, calling Ermanovics’ death “a significant loss” to the union.

Tucker notes that to honor Ermanovic’s commitment to the grievance process, the Buffalo Center Chapter board on Tuesday decided to dedicate in Ermanovic’s memory a private room in the union office in The Commons that is frequently used during the grievance process.

“His memory and his legacy will never be forgotten,” Tucker says.

UB colleagues can pay their respects at a wake from 3-8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Amigone Funeral Home at 2600 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 22 in North Park Lutheran Church, 310 Starin Ave., Buffalo. A private burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira.