header 1
header 2
header 3

In Memory Alumni

Werner "Whitey" Huber

Werner Huber, Elma councilman, Amherst teacher ; Feb. 1, 1939 -- Dec. 1, 2010

 Posted  Dec 3, 2010

Werner "Whitey" Huber, a former Elma town councilman and longtime Amherst middle school teacher, died at home Wednesday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 71.

In honor of his service to the Town of Elma, the American flag at Town Hall was placed at half staff until his burial Monday.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Huber earned his bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College, his master's degree from the University at Buffalo and took many other postgraduate courses. He lived in Cheektowaga before moving to Amherst, then settling in Elma.

He taught in the Amherst Central School District for 34 years, spending most of that time teaching middle school students before he retired in 1994. During that time, he received several teaching awards, including Teacher of the Year. In 2008, he was named Distinguished Educator Emeritus by the Amherst Alumni Foundation.

He also managed the Williamsville Pool Club from 1962 to 1971 and had owned the Depew Dairy Queen business since 1981.

A resident of Elma for the past 38 years, Mr. Huber served as a councilman for 12 years starting in 1974 and later went on to serve the town's Zoning and Planning boards. Town officials named the Whitey Huber Walking Trail in his honor.

A talented swimmer as a student and adult, Mr. Huber won numerous gold medals in swimming at the Empire State Games, once setting the record for the 50-meter butterfly stroke. He served as the Elma Aquatic Club swim coach in the 1970s.

Mr. Huber was also a musician. He played the clarinet and accordion and sang through his later years. He was an active member of Crossroads Christian Church.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Carol Estes Huber; two daughters, Dawn Southard and Joy Caparaso; and two sons, Todd and Troy.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Crossroads Christian Church, 1050 Girdle Road, East Aurora.