Teresa Martinez Cleary

Teresa Martinez Cleary, 57, of Forestville and Buffalo, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 at Buffalo General Medical Center, following a lengthy illness. She was born in Bradenton, FL on July 26, 1967, the daughter of Trinidad Martinez Sr. and Wyoma (Richmond) Martinez Gordon.

Teresa was a graduate of Corcoran High School of Syracuse, Class of 1985. She attended Syracuse University for Broadcast Journalism, where she initiated and produced “Spotlight On You” while in college, and worked as a Paralegal for 30 years with many law firms, including the Law Offices of Kristen Balbick Degnan of Buffalo for the last 15 years, and also worked at Keybank for many years. Teresa was a member and secretary of the National Association of Urban Bankers. She loved music.

Survivors include husband Sylvester Cleary of Forestville, a daughter Sylvea Cleary, two step-daughters; Kim Cleary, Kelley Medley, a step-son; Justin (Monique) Cleary, two sisters; Everlee Petty and Marilyn Martinez-Mitchell a brother; Trinidad (Adebisi) Martinez, Jr. and her stepfather Roy Gordon. Also surviving are three grandchildren Douglas (Cailyn) Medley III, Gianna and Izayah Cleary; and two great-grandchildren Royce and Remington. She was predeceased by her grandparents Soloman and Ethel Richmond.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. from True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 E. Ferry St., Buffalo, with Bishop Darius G. Pridgen, pastor officiating. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. from the Forestville Wesleyan Church, 9495 Prospect Road, Forestville, with Rev. Bruce Ellis, pastor officiating. Private Interment will be in Forestville Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Forestville Central School – 12 Water St., Forestville, NY 14062 in her memory. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.