George J. Measer Jr., 1925–2024

Jun 1, 2024

George J. Measer Jr., 98, known for his bow ties and his community involvement as the former publisher of the Bee Newspapers of Williamsville, New York, died April 16, 2024.

One of Mr. Measer’s mottoes, “Return something to the community,” was the goal of his lifetime, according to family members.

From his early education as a “printer’s devil” at the Bee to military service in World War II, Mr. Measer was always a man in motion. He was first sent to North Africa, then Italy during World War II, where he spent two and a half years. He was a private in the 88th Infantry, earning a Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. His name was added to the Amherst Veterans Memorial in 2014.

Born June 10, 1925, Mr. Measer was the second son of George John Measer and Eugenie Snyder Measer. His brother, Robert Measer, was editor of The Amherst Bee from 1936 until his death in 1963.

Mr. Measer attended Academy Street School and graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1948. It was at RIT that he met Joan Moesel, whom he married in 1948.

Mr. Measer was publisher of The Amherst Bee from 1965 to 1994. His son, George J. Measer III, “Trey,” succeeded him upon his retirement on Jan. 1, 1994. Following his retirement, Mr. Measer and his wife moved to Sarasota, Florida. They were married for 61 years until her death on Sept. 21, 2009.

The Amherst Bee was established in March 1879 with Adam Rinewalt as founder and publisher. George J. Measer Sr. purchased it from the Rinewalt family in 1907 and published it until his death in 1965.

Under Mr. Measer’s leadership, The Clarence Press and The Akron Herald were purchased on July 4, 1968, and later renamed The Clarence Bee. The newspaper now known as The Depew Bee originated in 1893, known as the Depew Herald and Cheektowaga News. It was purchased by Mr. Measer in October 1971. The Lancaster Enterprise and Depew Herald were purchased by Bee Publications in 1971. The Cheektowaga Bee was established in 1977; The West Seneca Bee, 1980; and The Ken-Ton Bee, 1982. The last two newspapers added to the group by Mr. Measer were The Orchard Park Bee in 1986 and The East Aurora Bee in 1987.

While the awards he received during his newspaper career are numerous, one of the top honors was bestowed on him in 1990. It was then that he received the Amos Award from the National Newspaper Association (NNA), recognizing distinguished service and contributions to the nation’s community press. Mr. Measer also served as president of the New York Press Association in 1969 and NNA in 1981-82.

In 1950, Mr. Measer and members of the Rotary Club of Williamsville began talking about securing a hospital for the Amherst/Clarence communities. Mr. Measer served as Hospital Board liaison chair at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

He enjoyed many functions and being involved in many community/civic organizations, including the Amherst Kiwanis Club, Amherst Chamber of Commerce, American Legion and VFW. He was also a board member for both Daemen College and the University at Buffalo; was on the Bry-Lin Hospital Advisory Board, 1988-1996; was director of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1988; was director of the Greater Buffalo Partnership (formerly the Greater Buffalo Chamber of Commerce), 1988-1994; was a member of the Local Organizing Committee for the World University Games, 1993; was the 1976 Bicentennial Chairman of the Town of Amherst; a member of the Williamsville Fire Department; chairman of the WNY Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; and chairman of the board of the Permanent Savings Bank.

He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul R.C. Church, Williamsville, and St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Sarasota. Social clubs that he belonged to included The Buffalo Club and Park Country Club of Buffalo.

Community awards Mr. Measer received included the Community Service Award for Youth, Amherst Travelers Football League, 1975; Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, 1976; Distinguished Service Award, Williamsville Village Board, 1976; Amherst Chamber of Commerce VIP Award, 1976; Community Service Award, Amherst Police Club, 1980; Rotary Club of Williamsville, Community Service Award, 1982; Amherst Youth Agency for Outstanding Support of Substance Abuse Prevention, 1988; Amherst Republican Party Community Service Award for Service and Chairmanship of the Town of Amherst’s 175th Amherst Committee, 1993; and a 50-year membership plaque from the Williamsville Fire Department in 1999. He was also the director of the Buffalo Quarterback Club (1989-1995); director of The Buffalo Club (1990-92); and was a member of the Buffalo-Fort Erie Friendship Festival International Committee (1991-93).

Mr. Measer was listed among the Top 100 Most Influential People In WNY by Business First; Who’s Who in America; Who’s Who in U.S. Executives Dictionary of International Biography; 21st Edition, World Edition, “Men of Achievement,” 1990; “5,000 Personalities of the World,” second edition, 1989; “Men of Achievement,” 1991; and International Book of Honor, 1991.

Mr. Measer was as active in Sarasota, Florida, as he was in Williamsville. He was part of the Ringling Museum Medieval Fair Committee; director of the Pelican Cove Condominium Association (where he lived), 1996-98, and president of Pelican Cove, 1997-1998. Mr. Measer was also involved as a volunteer for the development and public relations for Historic Spanish Point, a member of the Media Roundtable. In February 2005, Joan and George moved into The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch. George immersed himself in the Glenridge community.

He was the editor of The Glenridge monthly magazine “The Piper,” chairman of the Glenridge Men’s Club, founder of the Veterans Day program — which is now named the George J. Measer Veterans Day Luncheon.

The people he met at Glenridge became his longtime friends, whom he cherished deeply.

He loved The Glenridge.

The Measer name continues at the Bee with his son, Trey, as publisher/president, and grandsons Michael as vice president/circulation manager, and Rob, Circulation Department.

Mr. Measer was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Measer (nee Moesel). He is survived by his son, George J. Measer III “Trey” (Catherine); daughters Karen G. Hadala (Thomas), and Kimberly J. Sindall (Donald); grandsons Michael A. (Kara) Measer, Robert J. (Lisa) Measer and Tom (Elizabeth) Hadala; granddaughters Melissa K. Haentges (Measer), Lauren (Andrew) Bergren (Sindall) and Christine (David) Pelland (Sindall); and 11 great-grandchildren.

MEMORIALS

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to:

The Glenridge Charitable
Foundation
7333 Scotland Way
Sarasota, FL 34238