Ralph L. Halpern 

May 12, 1929 — Dec. 11, 2024

Ralph was the son of the late Julius and Mary Kaminker Halpern. He died this week at 95 years of age.

Throughout his life, Mr. Halpern valued education, family, and the Buffalo Bills.  A Buffalo native, he felt a deep commitment to his community. He chaired the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Professional Ethics. He held leadership roles in organizations including Temple Beth Zion, the Buffalo Council on World Affairs, the Bureau of Jewish Education, the Buffalo chapter of the American Jewish Committee, the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier, and MusicalFare Theatre Company. 

Ralph L. Halpern was a 1953 graduate of the University of Buffalo School of Law. After serving three years in the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps he was a partner in the Buffalo law firms of Raichle, Banning, Weiss & Halpern for 26 years and Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel for 21 years. Over the years he represented many clients, notably Ralph Wilson and the Buffalo Bills. He played a pivotal role in drafting player contracts and negotiating the lease for Rich Stadium. He was a pioneer in sports law before the field formally existed. 

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Harriet (Chasin) Halpern; two sons, Rick (Beth Landau) and Steven (Kate O’Connor) Halpern; a daughter, Julie (Dean) Ridlon; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held Sunday 11:30AM at Temple Beth Zion, 805 Delaware Ave., Buffalo 14209. Shiva will be held Sunday 2-5PM with a service at 3PM and Monday 7-9PM with a service at 7:30PM at Ralph’s residence: 88 Middlesex Rd., Buffalo 14216. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com and view live stream at tbz.org