Obituary of Richard K. Welte

Richard K. Welte (January 4, 1934 - March 6, 2019) served as President of the Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association from 1971-2000. He later was the Director of Education for Northtown Automotive Companies until his death. He was one of the founders of the Adessa Auto Auction in Akron, NY.  He died in his Williamsville home on March 6.

Dick was an advocate for his community and honored to serve on many boards and organizations: Buffalo Hospice (founding Board member), Automotive Trade Association Executives (Washington DC-former Board President), National Automobile Dealers Association’s Charitable Trust Foundation (former Board member), AUTOCAP (former President), ADACC (Chairman of Board), Junior Achievement (former Board member), Burchfield Penney Art Center (former Board member), Crime Stoppers of Erie County (co-founder and former Board member), Meals on Wheels of Western New York (former Board member), Evergreen Health (former Board member), MusicalFare Theatre (former Board member), Canterbury Woods (Board member), CMH Counseling (Board member), and Roswell Park Art Alliance Committee (Board member). In 1994, the Automotive Trade Association, through Northwood University (Northwood, MI), named Dick “Executive of the Year.”

He was a talented pianist and home cook, loved to entertain, and was an active member with his church and community. He was a former member of the Buffalo Yacht Club and New York Athletic Club. He was known for dressing impeccably every day, always sporting a silk pocket square.

Dick was also a lifetime member of Calvary Episcopal Church. He was honored to serve three terms as Warden, three terms on the Vestry, and was the co-chairman for their 100th Anniversary Celebration.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Jenny Rebecca (Becky) of 59 years and is survived by his children Jennifer Welte (Fritz Fernow), Jillian Welte, Christopher (Glynis) Welte, and granddaughter, Greer, all of whom were the light of his life.

Services will be held at the Calvary Episcopal Church, 20 Milton Street in Williamsville, NY on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14203 or Calvary Episcopal Church, 20 Milton Street, Williamsville, NY 14221