If you stroll through the patio homes on Saybrook Drive, you may meet longtime educators and devoted grandparents Richard “Rick” and Donna Stempniak, affectionately known as Papa Doc and Donna to family, friends and former students. Married for 41 years, the Stempniaks are two of the earliest residents of the patio home community, having moved in as the third home to be occupied in 2018.

Their story is rooted in Western New York. Rick grew up in Cheektowaga, and Donna grew up in Cheektowaga before moving to Lancaster with her parents and sister in 1966. After their marriage in 1984, Rick joined Donna in her apartment in the Village of Lancaster, and in 1985, they bought their first home on Lombardy Street. Lancaster has been home ever since.

Though they both graduated from Buffalo State College in 1974, Rick and Donna did not meet as classmates. Instead, they crossed paths through the Buffalo State Alumni Association, where both went on to serve as presidents. Donna served from 1982 to 1984, and Rick followed her from 1984 to 1986. They married in August of 1984, beginning a partnership rooted in education, community, and deep Polish family traditions.

Rick and Donna have one daughter, Erica, who lives in Lancaster with her husband, Steve, and their two sons. Family time is important, even if their grandsons’ school and sports schedules keep everyone busy. Their long-standing traditions include Thanksgiving dinner and a traditional Polish Christmas Eve meal shared with family and friends.

Both grandparents cherish cheering on their grandsons in T-ball, soccer, and ice skating lessons. It is one of their favorite parts of retirement.

Both Stempniaks built remarkable careers in education.

Donna taught science for 34 years in the Buffalo Public Schools. She was also active in the Buffalo Teachers Federation and remains involved with NYSUT retiree activities.

Rick served for 50 years as a college professor in the Engineering Technology Department at Buffalo State University, teaching subjects ranging from Energy Systems to Material Processing to Occupational Health and Safety. Inspired by his high school Industrial Arts teacher, Rick pursued education with the intention of encouraging young people to reach higher.

In addition to teaching, Rick co-authored The American Society of Safety Engineers Professional’s Handbook, served on the editorial board of The Professional Safety Journal, and was President of the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers.

He earned his PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University at Buffalo, earning him the loving nickname “Papa Doc” from his grandsons.

Community leadership runs deep in the Stempniak family.

Donna served the Town of Lancaster as a Town Planning Board member for 18 years and as a Town Councilmember for 20 years. She is currently the President of the Friends of the Lancaster Library.

Their daughter, Erica, carried on the tradition of public service as a Village Trustee in Depew before moving to Lancaster.

Rick has served in numerous volunteer and leadership roles, including President of the Buffalo Skating Club, where he supported his daughter’s figure skating, and President and District Governor of the Depew Lancaster SERTOMA Club, a service organization dedicated to speech and hearing. More recently, he volunteers as a driver for Lancaster Meals on Wheels (FeedMore).

Although the SERTOMA Club has since disbanded due to declining membership, the friendships remain strong and many members still meet monthly for dinner.

Rick and Donna enjoy a retirement filled with family, service, and travel. They have explored the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and the Caribbean, and honeymooned in Hawaii forty-one years ago. Hawaii remains a favorite destination, especially Maui.

During their most recent visit in August 2025, they witnessed a volcanic eruption on the Island of Hawaii, a moment that thrilled Donna, a lifelong science enthusiast. They were also in Maui on the day the devastating fire destroyed Lahaina, an event that deeply moved them.

As their grandsons grow, they look forward to future trips to Orlando and more family adventures.

Photography is another shared passion. Donna is never without her iPhone, while Rick prefers his Canon digital SLR, even though he still keeps his old film cameras for nostalgia.

The Stempniaks enjoy attending their grandsons’ sporting events, going to breakfast with friends after church, and dining out on weekends. Rick’s favorite local restaurants include Frank’s on Broadway, The Olive Tree, This Little Pig in Clarence Hollow, and Oliver’s in Buffalo. Donna’s favorite restaurant of all time is Mama’s Fish House on Maui, especially when paired with a sunset on the beach.

They chose the patio homes because the Homeowners Association handles all exterior maintenance, and the one-floor layout keeps living simple. The loft they added serves as an office, which Rick used while teaching online during Covid. Rick currently serves as the President of the Homeowners Association.

Most importantly, they cherish the friendly, welcoming neighbors on Saybrook Drive.

“We love the people here,” Rick said. “It truly is the perfect place to retire, other than Maui. Go Bills.”