Michael G. Buff

Michael “Mike” Gerald Buff, 79, of Albany, passed away peacefully on September 29,2026, after a brief yet courageous battle against stage four pancreatic cancer. Born on October 4, 1946, he was one of twelve children of the late Dr. Joseph A. and Frances (Storms) Buff.

Mike grew up in Loudonville, NY, attended Cardinal McCloskey Memorial High School and earned his Bachelors Degree from Siena College. Mike married the former Rosemary Tammany on October 16, 1976, cherishing 38 years of marriage before her passing on March 8, 2015.

Mike was a voracious reader, with a particular love of history. Over the years, he amassed a small collection of books about U.S. Presidents and the Civil War, reflecting his lifelong curiosity and love of learning.

After retirement, Mike embraced the opportunity to travel and see more of the world by visiting his children. He especially enjoyed multiple trips exploring South Korea, San Diego, and the Midwest. At home, he was always ready for an adventure, enjoying trips to nature preserves and restaurants around the Capital Region. He adored cooking and, more than anything, he was a beacon of kindness to those around him, always putting himself last. Wherever Mike planted himself, his selfless love and kindness spread to everyone within his reach.

Family was especially important to Mike. He loved spending weekends at the family camp upstate and looked forward to time with his grandchildren. He took great pleasure in spoiling Ruby, Henry, Joseph Jr., and Jordan and making them laugh.

Mike is survived by his children, Michael K. Buff (Kristin) and Esther Buff (Joseph Avellino Sr.); his four grandchildren, Ruby, Henry, Joseph Jr., and Jordan; and his siblings Louis (Kathleen) Buff, Bernard (Roberta) Buff, Martin Buff, Robert (Noreen) Buff, Susan (William) Ciejka, Barbara Burns, and Paul Buff. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Beverly Buff, brother-in-law Paul Mantica and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph, Frank, and Jerome; his sister Mary Mantica; and sisters-in-law Dorothy Buff, Suzanne Buff, and Joyce Buff.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to remember Mike make a donation in his memory to Community Hospice (communityhospice.org).

Special thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff on Floor M5 and D4 at Albany Medical Center for the extraordinary care provided to Mike. We are deeply grateful for the comfort, dignity, and care you gave him, and for the support you extended to our family along the way. Your kindness will not be forgotten.