William J. Magavern, II

A Celebration of Life Service for William J. Magavern will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Westminster Presbyterian Church 724 Delaware Avenue and all are invited to a reception following the service at the Garrett Club 91 Cleveland 91 Cleveland Avenue Buffalo New York 14222. William J. Magavern II, Attorney, Civic Leader, Catalyst for New Burchfield Penney Art Center July 29, 1934 – April 15, 2025 While serving on the board of the Buffalo State College Foundation in 1998, Bill Magavern had an inspiration: the Burchfield Penney Art Center should have a new building, and he would make the lead gift to catalyze it. Magavern went on to play a leading role in raising the funds and creating the design for the new museum. This was one of many contributions he made to Buffalo over a long career in law and business. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1956 and serving in the U.S. Army, Magavern returned to attend the University at Buffalo and joined his father, Samuel D. Magavern, in the practice of law at the firm now known as Magavern, Magavern, & Grimm, where he specialized in corporate law, real estate law, and trusts and estates. As a young man living in the Allentown neighborhood, Magavern began buying and fixing up historic buildings, preserving them from neglect and demolition, and was instrumental in founding the Allentown Association. Among other efforts, he and several colleagues renovated 14 abandoned buildings on Johnson Park, sparking the revitalization of the neighborhood. Magavern dedicated long hours to civic service, serving on many non-profit and government boards and commissions, including the International Institute, Planned Parenthood, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Upstate New York Transplant Services (ConnectLife), Buffalo Council on World Affairs, Erie County Mental Health Association, Buffalo Arts Commission, Erie County Cultural Advisory Board, and over thirty years with the Albright Knox Art Gallery; all leading to recognition as “Mr. Buffalo” in 2001. He also served on the boards of numerous companies, including Mentholatum, Niagara Blower, Metal Cladding, and Kissing Bridge. When not working or volunteering, he enjoyed skiing, tennis, running, canoe and sailing trips, and renovating classic cars, some of which can now be seen at the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum. (He bought his first car, a 1929 Ford Model A, for $25 when he was 14 years old). He loved spending time at his summer home in Clarksburg, once owned by his grandfather, Dr. James Lewis. Loyally devoted to his clients, friends, and family, he had an infectious sense of humor, a strong daredevil streak, a deep appreciation for visual art and natural beauty, and a thorough enjoyment of long walks, Friday fish fries, and country music. He was predeceased by his second wife, Louise Morris Magavern, and his third wife, Linda Robertson Magavern. Both suffered from long illnesses, during which he took exceptional care of them. He was also predeceased by his beloved brother-in-law, Gordon “Skip” Hargraves, and by his older brother, James Magavern, his close partner in law, tennis, canoeing, and life; and his sister-in-law Robin Simon Magavern. He is survived by three daughters from his marriage to Susan Clark: Mary Magavern, Dr. Lydia Shrestha, and Polly Wolfe (Daniel); also by two stepchildren, Laird Robertson (Elena) and Megan Robertson (Shawn); grandchildren; William Wolfe, Eva Wolfe, Maya Shrestha, Sammy Shrestha, Elizabeth Sachsse, Eva Sachsse and Clare Sachsse and four step-grandchildren; and three sisters, Margaret Hargraves, Mary Worrell (Rick) and Jane Beebe (Spencer). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Burchfield Penney Art Center for arts education, Planned Parenthood, or the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project. The Magavern family has entrusted the Kevin M. Mason funeral home (www.kevinmmasonfuneralhome.com) to care for Bill and his family. Family and friends are invited to share a favorite memory of Bill, sign the 0n-line guest book and light a tribute candle at www.kevinmmasonfuneralhome.com. If you would like to make a donation to Burchfield Penney Art Center their address is 1300 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo NY 14222. if you would like to make a donation to Planned Parenthood you may do so online at www.plannedparenthood.org/donate. If you would like to make a donation to the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project their address is 438 Main Street 7th floor, Buffalo NY 14202. On the memo portion of your check please write "William J. Magavern, II. Once the Celebration of Life has been scheduled, we will provide the information on this website, or you may call the Kevin M. Mason Funeral Home at (716) 362-0199.

William J. Magavern, II

July 29, 1934 - April 15, 2025