Donald C. Runckel, retired Buffalo fire lieutenant
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Feb. 20, 1933—Nov. 18, 2009
Donald C. Runckel, a retired lieutenant with the Buffalo Fire Department, died Wednesday in his Cheektowaga home. He was 76.
Born in Buffalo, he attended local schools and graduated from Burgard Vocational High School, where he studied aviation mechanics.
Mr. Runckel worked at Buffalo Aeronautical until 1953, when he enlisted in the Air Force. He served as an engine and aircraft mechanic until his discharge in 1957.
He was employed as a security guard at the Federal Reserve Bank of Buffalo, until he joined the Buffalo Fire Department in 1959, following in his father’s footsteps.
He held various assignments with Truck 12, Engine 24, Engine 27 and, finally, Engine 22 before retiring in 1991. He also was an instructor at the Buffalo Fire Training Academy.
Mr. Runckel was an avid outdoorsman and was a member of the Erie County Conservation Society and the Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve.
He was an active member of the Cheektowaga Seniors, Hamburg Natural History Society, Darwin Martin House Associates and Lancaster Opera House.
A member of the Western New York Retired Firefighters Association, Mr. Runckel volunteered each week as a tour guide at the Buffalo Fire Historical Society.
His wife, Anna Paolini Runckel, died in 2002.
Survivors include two daughters, Donna Rizzo and Teresa; a son, Douglas; and a sister, Jane Guest.
A memorial service will be at 6 p. m. today in Paul A. Kloc Blossom Chapels, 4680 Clinton St., West Seneca.
Published: November 21, 2009, 12:30 am