Deacon Robert A. Bauer 1932-2025

Deacon Robert Albert Bauer of Amherst, passed away March 28, 2025, at Buffalo VA Medical Center after a short illness. He was 92.

He is survived by Rosemary Bowhers Bauer, his beloved wife of almost 63 years; daughters Marie Evans and Susan Rubio; son Robert J. Bauer; grandsons Paul and Edward Evans, Hunter and Jonathan Bauer; and brother Edward Bauer. 

Deacon Bauer will be remembered as a devoted son, brother, uncle, and engaging storyteller specializing in tall tales. 

Born April 17, 1932, to Edward and Marie (Schaff) Bauer, he attended St. Paul School in Kenmore and Canisius High School in Buffalo. He received an accounting degree from Bryant & Stratton College. He served in the U.S. Army in  Korea, before becoming an insurance auditor. 

A lifelong Catholic, Deacon Bauer lived his faith through service, as an active volunteer to orphaned teens, the developmentally disabled, poor or homeless, prisoners, refugees and seniors.

As a Catholic deacon for nearly 43 years, Deacon Bauer served as a director of religious education at St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Akron; at Hope House in Buffalo; as chaplain for JN Adam Developmental Center and group homes; and as a religion teacher at St. Edmund Parish and School. He was also a Knight of Columbus and involved in prison ministry.

Known as an extreme extrovert, Deacon Bauer decorated lavishly for the holidays and was known for his elaborate, home-consuming Christmas nativity scene, which featured multiple towns and over 100 characters. 

As a final act of giving, he donated his body to UB’s Anatomical Gift Program. 

The family will host a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 31 at 11 a.m. at Banchetti by Rizzo’s, 550 North French Road in Amherst.