(May 14,1944 – July 3, 2024)
David H. Meltzer, longtime Administrator for The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning and a resident of the Town of Aurora for 40 years, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family after a short illness. He was 80.
Mr Meltzer grew up in and lived most of his life in Western New York where he received a Jewish education and was bar mitsvahed at Temple Emmanuel (1957), one of the synagogues that later comprised Temple Beth Tzedek. As a child he enjoyed reading and spending summers at Camp Lakeland hiking, canoeing and being in nature.
He attended School 81 in Buffalo and was graduated from Kenmore Junior High in 1958 and Kenmore West Senior High in 1962 where awards included The National Honor Society New York State Competitive Regents Scholarship.
Mr. Meltzer served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves with training as a Medical Corpsman at Fort Sam, Houston, TX. He was released from active duty August 1967 and received honorable discharge in 1973.
Mr. Meltzer’s forte in accounting came early as he kept books and prepared payroll for 80 employees at The Mid-State Packing Co. Inc. He majored in philosophy at SUNY Buffalo. He later continued his education in night school at Canisius College earning a BS in Accounting in 1975 while working as a Welfare Examiner for The Erie County Department of Social Services. Upon receiving his degree, he accepted an accounting position with the Erie County Comptroller’s Office. He later accepted a post with the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning where he performed a number of accounting and administrative functions until his retirement in 2005.
While studying at Canisius, David met his wife Anne Spencer (1950-2021) whom he married in 1976. They traveled widely during their 45-year marriage starting with a trip to Israel with his parents Abe and Gertrude Meltzer to fulfill their lifelong desire to visit the Holy Land. Other trips included England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Paris, and Italy, as well as many trips nationwide to visit family to whom they were devoted.
Mr. Meltzer was an avid reader and lover of film and music, especially jazz and classical. He was an ardent supporter of the Buffalo Philharmonic, as well as to dozens of other local, regional, and national causes. A true mensch, he brought family and friends together, kept company with young and old in conversation on the arts, philosophy, politics, and more. He was a respectful listener and peacemaker who provided presence and camaraderie, his laugh warm and affecting, his knowledge and advice welcome. His wit and wisdom, unwavering curiosity, and deep devotion to family and friends touched and inspired all who knew him.
David is the loving son of the late Abe E. and Gertrude Meltzer, brother of the late Florence (Carl) Forrest. He is survived by cousins Caroline Wolfson, Donald Zelter, Dana Bonime, Beth Kushnick, Karen Meltser, Jayne Wolfson, Jimmy Wolfson, and Jonathan Wolfson, sisters-in-law Mary (Joe) Lischka, Gail Schickele, brother-in-law Jack Spencer, nieces and nephews Gail Lischka, Adam Spencer, Colin Spencer, Tiernan (Rob) Gannon, and Nighttrain Schickele, and cherished friends dating to his childhood. Family will be present Tuesday 4-7 PM at WOOD FUNERAL HOME, 784 Main St., East Aurora, where a Funeral Service will be held Wednesday 9:30 AM. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made in Mr. Meltzer’s name to the American Cancer Society or AnCan.
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