Obituary of Kevin R. Minderler

Kevin R. Minderler passed away in his home in the loving embrace of his family on July 14, 2024. Kevin was born in Buffalo, New York on June 23, 1957 to the late Rita (Wahler) and Robert Minderler. He grew up in Tonawanda and on Bowmiller Road in Lockport with his brothers Tim (Erin) and Tom Minderler and his sisters Mary (Brian) Bull, Beth Minderler and Meg (Rob) Pierlott.

Kevin and his loving wife Mary were wed in 1997. He was the loving and supportive father of Donald and William (Will) Minderler, they were lights of his life.

He was a 1976 graduate of DeSales Catholic High School and later Niagara County Community College. He achieved various professional certifications including from Eastman Kodak.

Kevin was a storyteller in his work and his personal life. His skill as a storyteller was grounded in his ability to observe and willingness to listen to people. He always gave friends and those about to be his friends his undivided attention.

Kevin was a master of his craft and an adventurous soul. He was passionate, curious and exacting in his work. He began his career as a news photographer at WKBW-TV. While there he was named as the National Press Association’s Photographer of the Year. He also received two Emmy Awards for his work as a photographer and producer. He won a Telly honoring excellence in video and television for a story on Great Lakes shipwrecks that combined his passions for photography, history and scuba diving. Kevin also covered the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s tour of Europe and traveled with Channel 7 Anchor Irv Weinstein’s trip to Israel.

After leaving WKBW-TV Kevin worked as a freelance photographer for ESPN, the Buffalo Sabres, Amazon Prime and numerous NFL teams. He also worked on movie productions, including “Marshall” as well as corporate and community videos. Kevin willingly gave of his time as a volunteer photographer and producer to many charitable organizations. Kevin belonged to the National Association of Broadcast Employees & Technicians for over 40 years and the Motion Picture Mechanics Local 52.

Kevin made lifelong friends through his volunteer work, especially with Camp Good Days, Feed More of WNY (Meals on Wheels) and as a judge and presenter for the NCCC Film & Animation Festival for many years. 

Kevin loved to travel. His best trips were with Mary, Donald and Will. He had a deep appreciation for the American West and loved to ski, sail and dive. Wherever he went he had his camera at the ready. It may be that his favorite “trips” were the ones he took close to home, especially to his retreat at The Kennels in Holloway Bay Ontario on Lake Erie, and to the West Bluff in Olcott on Lake Ontario.

Kevin collected and enjoyed working on Harley Davidson and British motorcycles, cameras, early photographs and glass negatives. He loved music, historic buildings, antiques and the stories they told.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife Mary Murphy, sons Donald and Will, and 5 brothers and sisters. In addition, Kevin is survived by in-laws, 35 nieces and nephews, 27 grand nieces and nephews, his mother-in-law Caroline Murphy and many wonderful friends.  He was predeceased by his dear niece Carly Minderler.

Mary, Donald & Will would like to thank the wonderful care provided by the nursing staff at Roswell Park, especially those on MidICU and 6th Floor West.  In addition to the care at home from Carla, Katie & Sharon, and their devotion to Kevin over the past month.

The family will receive friends at the Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport on Wednesday, July 17 from 4pm-7pm.  A Celebration of Life mass will take place on Thursday, July 18 at St John the Baptist Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport at 11AM.  All friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers  that  family request that donations in Kevin’s memory be made to DeSales Catholic School DeSales Catholic School > Giving > Donate Online and Camp Good Days Donations | Camp Good Days