Obituary of Dennis L. Lell

Dennis Loran Lell

March 8, 1946 – November 5, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dennis Loran Lell, on

November 5, 2025, at his home in Hamburg, New York, at the age of 79. 

Born on March 8, 1946, in Buffalo NY, to parents Eunice Stroup Vitale and Alexander

Lell, Dennis was a man of integrity, kindness, with a calming force in nearly every area of

his life. He graduated from SUNY Fredonia with bachelors and masters degrees in

music education, plus took additional masters courses in Education Theory. He spent

over 30 years teaching public school instrumental music in the Hamburg Central

School District. His commitment to public education and community were exemplary,

and he often volunteered for service and building projects at schools, community

centers, and churches. Dennis’s other music activities included either directing or

playing in the Amherst Chamber Ensemble, the Orchard Park Symphony, the Four

Centuries Chamber Orchestra, and the Greater Buffalo Youth String Orchestra. An avid

downhill skier, Dennis was a ski instructor for the majority of his adult life, holding a

level 2 PSIA certification and teaching at both Kissing Bridge and Holimont. Dennis was

also an amazing chef, and enjoyed cooking for his friends and family—all of whom have

wonderful memories of time around the Lell table. Wanting to keep his older community

members healthy and fed, Dennis was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

Dennis met his wife of over 56 years, Kathleen, while they were both students at SUNY

Fredonia. They enjoyed skiing, spending time with dear friends and family, their joint

volunteer work, and traveling, particularly in recent years. Dennis and Kathleen raised

their daughter Erica, and are also the proud parents of two foreign exchange students,

Karin Cronqvist and Andreas (Andy)Egli, both of whom have remained very close with their

American Mom, Dad and Sister. Dennis and Kathleen have also loved being American in-laws to Karin's and Andy's spouses,and grandparents to their children-four each, to both Karin and Andy.Dennis was

also a beloved Grandad to Erica’s children, Teresa, Jonathan and Christine, and a much

loved father in law to Erica’s husband, Chris.

Dennis is survived by his wife Kathleen, his children, Erica Lell Snipes (Chris), Karin

Cronqvist (Lasse), Andreas Egli (Kathrin Ammann), and beloved grandchildren Teresa, Jonathan,

and Christine Snipes; Nils, Karl, Sven and Ylva Cronqvist;  Delia and Inez Staudenmann;

Samuel and Edith Egli. Dennis is also survived by siblings, Fred (Margaret Guttshall) Vitale and Cecelia (Frank)Vitale-Reddy.

Friends may call at the Donald M. Demmerley Funeral Home, 21 Pierce Ave. Hamburg, NY on November 11, 2025 from 10-1 PM, where a memorial service will follow at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be

made to public school music programs in Dennis’s memory. Please share online condolences at www.demmerleyfuneralhome.com.