Ruth E. Falbo

Ruth Falbo (nee Lear) of Amherst and Clarence, NY died on August 16, 2024, at age 91. She is survived by her adult children: Paula (David) Fletcher of Alexandria, VA; Carla Falbo Kestner; Christopher Falbo; and Francesca (Michael) Raycraft, as well as grandchildren: Christina Kestner; Meredith, Suzanne and Nicholas Fletcher; Charlie (fiance Andrea), Danny and Timmy Raycraft. She is survived by many loving relatives both in the Buffalo area and on the West Coast. Ruth was born in Keya Paha County, Nebraska, and moved with her parents and three siblings during the Depression and Dust Bowl years to Nevada, then to Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. After WWII, the family settled in Oregon where Ruth earned a B.A. degree from the University of Oregon, married, and then moved to Ohio with her husband, Dr. Ernest S. Falbo. A move to Washington state came next, and two summers living in Florence, Italy where Ernie was director of the Italian Language Institute. In the summer of 1969, the entire family accompanied him to Italy, the highlight of a lifetime. Eventually, they landed in Buffalo, where Ernie chaired the Buffalo State University College Foreign Language Department until his death in 1975. Ruth obtained a master's degree from the University of Buffalo and was employed for 20 years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the NYS Education Department, retiring in 1995. While employed, she was a board member for the WNY Association for Learning Disabled. During a year's leave of absence from NYS employment, she was a fellow for Educational Leadership in Washington, DC, working for the Parent's Campaign for Handicapped Children and Youth. She was also a volunteer for Literacy Volunteers and for Crisis Services while she was employed. Ruth was passionate about travel, an avid reader, a collector of French and Italian pottery, a seamstress, enjoyed literary wordplay, and adored her cats. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, August 29 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, where a memorial service will be held immediately at 12:00 PM at Lombardo Funeral Home, 4614 Main Street, Snyder, NY 14226. A celebration of life will be held following the memorial service. Wearing blue is encouraged, as it was Ruth's favorite color. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the scholarship named in honor of Ernie (checks and donations made payable to): The Dr. Ernest S. Falbo Modern Foreign Language Award c/o Modern and Classical Languages Department Buckham Hall, B234 1300 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222-1095 Services Visitation Thursday August 29, 2024 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Lombardo Funeral Home (Snyder Chapel) 4614 Main Street Snyder, NY 14226 Memorial Service Thursday August 29, 2024 12:00 PM Lombardo Funeral Home (Snyder Chapel) 4614 Main Street Snyder, NY 14226