Rolf F. Buchner

1919 - 2017

Rolf F. Buchner 1919 - 2017
Beloved Husband, Father and Poppa
DEERFIELD - Rolf F. Buchner, 97, died peacefully on September 28, 2017 at The Pines of Utica.
He was born on December 4, 1919, in New York City, to Frederick and Helen (Peters) Buchner. Rolf graduated from Newton High School in 1937. He then went to work for Brewster Aeronautical Co. as an apprentice toolmaker. In 1943, Rolf went to work for AT&T Company in the Bell Labs division. He soon became involved in the union and protecting workers rights. In 1959, he became employed by Communications Workers of America as a staff representative. Because it is a national union, he worked in the Midwest as well as the Northeast. In 1983, he retired as Administrative Assistant to the VP of District 1, NY and New England.
At one time, Rolf was married to Gloria Rappasadi and they had two sons, Rolf A. and Brian. In 1969, he was sent on assignment to Utica, where he met Jane (Schmitter) O'Connor. On June 10, 1973, they were married. With that marriage, Rolf acquired a son, Shawn O'Connor and Shawn acquired the father he never had. Later, Shawn married and had twin daughters, Erin and Ashley, who quickly became the most important thing in the family to everyone. The amazing thing was that Rolf was also the only grandfather that the twins ever had and to this day he is, and will always be, their "Poppa".
Rolf loved upstate and the town of Deerfield and never wished to be back downstate. He was a thirty year plus volunteer at his beloved Stanley Theater, doing group tours and also being Mr. Stanley to all the kids that came by bus to shows and had to wait a long time for busses to come for pickup. His booming voice would call the numbers and entertain the children from the stage. He also played several great parts in murder mysteries there for fundraisers. He loved the Adirondack Railroad and being a car host for that. Rolf took on a whole new career as a Building Inspector and Codes Officer for the Town of Deerfield and loved that too. It was a whole new learning experience for him. He was loved and respected by all that came in contact with him. Never could he be mistaken at any of the twins' soccer games, by far the loudest cheerleader ever. Go Remsen!! Rolf was proud of his German heritage and was a 25 year member of the Utica Maennerchor Club and the Deerfield Seniors.
Rolf is survived by his loving wife, Jane; sons, Rolf A. (Marie) Buchner and Shawn O'Connor; special granddaughter, Cheryl (Tony) Campos; and great-granddaughter, Evangeline; his beloved twin granddaughters, Erin and Ashley O' Connor; brother-in-law, Richard (Bonnie) Schmitter, Keller, TX; special brother-in-law, Robert Schmitter, Oriskany and his daughter, Kristin and her family, Prescott, Ontario. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rolf was predeceased by his parents and his beloved brother, Hans; in-laws, Emil and Winifred Schmitter; sisters-in-law, Barbara Buchner and Theresa Schmitter; and daughter-in-law, Annette Buchner. He is so missed by his furry friends, Daisy and Jenny and granddog, Sadie O'Connor, who visited him every day at the Pines. We love you Poppa!
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday, from 2-4 p.m., at McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Funeral services will commence at the conclusion of visitation.
In following Rolf's wishes, please consider donations in his memory to his beloved Stanley Theater or the Memorial Fund of the Utica Maennerchor. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Rolf's family would like to thank the 2nd floor staff at The Pines of Utica for the care and compassion shown during his stay.
Messages of sympathy at www.nunnandmcgrath.com.