10/09/2026
Peter M. Filim
Peter M. Filim, a lifelong Buffalonian with a deep passion for local history, architecture, and historic preservation, dedicated his life to preserving the stories and landmarks of the city he loved. Through his work as a local historian, tour guide, educator, preservation advocate, and community volunteer, Peter helped bring Buffalo’s rich history to life for generations of residents and visitors. His remarkable commitment to service extended beyond historic preservation, touching the lives of individuals and families through his professional work, mediation, and numerous community organizations.
Peter’s educational journey reflected his lifelong appreciation for history, faith, and the humanities. He earned an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Humanities from Villa Maria College in 1972, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Holy Apostles College in 1975. He also completed graduate studies in Theology at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. During his studies, Peter participated in patient outreach at Nazareth Nursing Home and visitation and outreach through St. Mary of Sorrows Parish, experiences that reflected his commitment to serving others. He also volunteered as a teacher in local parishes.
Beginning in 1981, Peter devoted decades to the study, interpretation, and preservation of Buffalo’s architectural and cultural heritage. He served as a local historian and personal tour coordinator, developing tours tailored to the interests of those he guided. Whether introducing visitors to the city’s historic architecture, sharing stories of its neighborhoods, or helping others appreciate the significance of its landmarks, Peter took great pride in making history accessible, engaging, and meaningful.
Peter was a founding member of the Preservation Coalition of Erie County, where he served as former secretary, Tour Committee chairman, trustee, docent, and speaker. He helped establish organizational policies, guided preservation efforts, conducted architectural and historic tours for local and international visitors, and assisted with volunteer recruitment and training. His involvement in preservation extended to the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, where he helped with the restoration of a mural at the Alexis Fornier House, conducted tours, and assisted with planning events.
His dedication to Buffalo’s heritage was evident throughout his many leadership roles. In 1983, Peter served as president of Historic Central Terminal. He was appointed by Buffalo Mayor James D. Griffin to represent the Fillmore Councilmatic District on the city’s Landmark and Preservation Board, serving from 1982 to 1986 according to his résumé. He also served as treasurer of the Western New York Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians and remained an active member of the Preservation League of New York State and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. His work reflected a steadfast belief that preserving historic places helps protect the stories, character, and identity of a community.
Peter’s love of history extended to the arts and cultural institutions that helped shape Buffalo. For many years, he was involved with Shea’s Center for the Performing Arts, serving on its Spotlight Committee and Board of Trustees. His responsibilities included concessions, executive committee service, recording secretary, and chairmanship of the Wurlitzer organ rededication booklet. He also served as co-chair and member of Shea’s Chorale, chaired theater preservation and archives, and represented the Spotlight Committee on the building and grounds committee. Through these efforts, Peter contributed to preserving the history and legacy of one of Buffalo’s treasured cultural landmarks.
A longtime member of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Peter participated in museum programs and exhibit development. He was also a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Association for Gravestone Studies. His interest in historic cemeteries became another meaningful part of his preservation work.
Peter served as a docent and docent trainer for Forest Lawn Cemetery, sharing his knowledge of its history, monuments, and notable individuals with visitors. He also devoted many years to Concordia Cemetery and Foundation, serving as a longtime board and foundation member beginning in 2012. As a tour guide and preservationist, he helped bring renewed attention to Concordia’s historic grounds, working to preserve the stories of those laid to rest there and the cemetery’s place in Buffalo’s history. His work at both cemeteries demonstrated his belief that the past deserves to be remembered and protected.
In addition to his historical and preservation work, Peter built a career in public service. Beginning in 1981, he worked with the Rental Assistance Corporation of Buffalo, administering housing assistance programs and helping individuals and families navigate housing needs. As a Client Services Specialist, he maintained extensive client records, coordinated appointments and inspections, provided information to tenants, landlords, and community agencies, and helped resolve concerns involving housing assistance. He also trained and supervised staff, participated in community outreach, and presented information about the Section 8 program.
Peter later worked with the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and Supportive Services Corporation in consulting, accounting, clerical, and administrative roles. His responsibilities included reviewing program procedures, conducting annual recertifications and inspections, addressing tenant concerns, auditing timesheets, and assisting staff and applicants. Throughout his professional career, he demonstrated patience, attention to detail, compassion, and a commitment to helping others.
Peter also devoted approximately fifteen years to mediation and arbitration through the Better Business Bureau Foundation of Western New York’s Community Dispute Resolutions Program. Beginning in 1981, he helped individuals resolve disputes referred by the Buffalo court system, working to facilitate mutually agreeable solutions through thoughtful discussion and fair judgment. When an agreement could not be reached, Peter rendered decisions intended to resolve the matter constructively.
His work earned significant recognition. In July 1989, Peter was named a Senior Arbitrator on the National Panel of Consumer Arbitrators by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., in recognition of his arbitration work and sound decision-making. In January 1995, the Unified Court System of the State of New York honored him with an award for Dedicated Service, recognizing his fifteen years of service as a mediator and arbitrator for the Community Dispute Resolutions Program. These distinctions reflected Peter’s integrity, fairness, and dedication to serving his community.
Service was woven into many other aspects of Peter’s life. He was a longtime member of St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church in Buffalo, where he participated in the choir and Parish Council. He also sang with the choir at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Depew. From 1978 onward, he volunteered by telephone for membership drives at WNED-TV, supporting public broadcasting and its role in the community.
Peter’s leadership also extended to the Masonic community. A member of Nocturnal Lodge No. 1137, Free and Accepted Masons, beginning in 1983, he held numerous positions, including Secretary of the Warden’s Association, Master of Nocturnal Lodge, and Chaplain of the Master’s Association. He served as co-chair of Membership Development, Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York, and in district-level leadership roles focused on membership retention and recruitment.
In 1991, Peter became an Oblate of Saint Benedict at Mount Saviour Monastery in Pine City, New York, reflecting another important dimension of his faith and spiritual life.
Peter will be remembered for his extraordinary breadth of knowledge, his dedication to preserving Buffalo’s architectural and cultural heritage, and his willingness to share what he knew with others. Whether serving as a historian, guiding visitors through historic sites, helping neighbors resolve difficult disputes, supporting housing programs, or volunteering for organizations he cherished, he approached his responsibilities with thoughtfulness and purpose. His legacy lives on in the historic places he helped preserve, the people he educated, the individuals he assisted, and the many community organizations strengthened by his years of service.
Loving son of the late Dorothy (nee Miller) and Bronislaus Filim and dear brother of the late Michael D. Filim.
Fond uncle of Michael E. Filim, Lori (Dennis) Mochol, Alicia Killian, Jennifer Enderton, and Victoria Filim and great-uncle of Hayley Filim, Zachery Mochol, and Gabriel Mochol. Peter as a cherished brother-in-law of the late Kathy (Charles Lambert) Filim. Peter is also survived by many cousins and friends.
Family will be present on Monday, October 12, from 2–4 PM and 6–8 PM at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, 2400 William Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14206.
Relatives and friends are invited to assemble for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Stanislaus Parish, 389 Peckham Street, Buffalo, on Tuesday, October 13, at 10 AM. Please assemble at church.
Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY.
The family invites you to leave a message in Peter’s Guest Book or share a photograph in his Online Photo Album. Your memories, stories, and photographs will be treasured by his family and loved ones for years to come, serving as a lasting tribute to Peter’s life and the meaningful contributions he made to the community he loved.
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