Uncrowned Community Builders

Daniel Stewart Workman, Jr. was a native Buffalonian. He was born on June 13, 1944 to Daniel and Elizabeth Workman. He had six siblings, four brothers, Vincent, Ronald, Rudolph and Warren and two sisters, Rita and Sharon. Dan began his education at St. Ann Catholic School and also attended Bishop Timon High School. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and while serving his country, he earned an Associate's Degree in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines. Later, following his discharge from the service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Science from the University at Buffalo.

His professional career at M & T Bank was initiated by Charles Vassar, the first Black bank manager in Buffalo. As an employee of M&T Bank, Mr. Workman held several positions including: Assistant Vice-President and Manager of the University Plaza Office and Vice President and Cluster Manager of five city branches. In 1975, at the request of Governor Hugh Carey, Mr. Workman took a five year leave from banking to serve as the Deputy Special Assistant of Urban Affairs to the Governor of New York State. He later returned to M&T Bank, and in June 2002, he retired from the bank as Vice President and Regional Community Investment Officer after a distinguished career of 32 years of service.

Mr. Workman had a long history of community involvement. He was passionate about giving back to the community. He was a member of several organizations. He was a founding member of the Buffalo chapter of the National Association of Urban Bankers. He was a director of the Community Action Information Center and Catholic charities. He also was active with the NAACP, having a life membership with that organization. He also was active in the MADD DADS, Sigma Pi Phi fraternity, Alpha Kappa Boule, Niagara Falls Housing Authority, and Hope VI Project.

He served on many Boards of Directors such as the Buffalo Urban League, the Catholic Diocese Board of Education, the Catholic Central Board, the Oshei Foundation Scholarship Committee, and other organizations. He was a faithful, dedicated and hardworking member of St. Martin De Porres Roman Catholic Church. His faith was evident through his service to the community as well as to the Diocese of Buffalo.

In 2006, Mr. Workman was named Man of the Year by St. Martin de Porres. The same year, he was named Manager of the Year by M & T Bank and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership named him Minority Volunteer of the Year. In 2007, he received the Buffalo NAACP's human relations award for outstanding community service. He was also recognized by NCCJ, who presented him with the Community Leaders Award that same year.

Mr. Workman played the piano, loved music and was known for teaching line dancing to fellow parishioners at St. Martin de Porres Church.

Mr. Workman and his wife, the former Joanne Hill, were married in 1966. To this union were born three children, Latrise, Daniel, III and Stewart, who pre-deceased him. The couple also has a granddaughter, Danae' and two surrogate granddaughters, Ashley and Kiera.

Mr. Workman died on April 21, 2007. He is interred in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Oakwood Mausoleum.