Charleston, South Carolina
BUZZELLI, James
Entered into eternal rest on Friday June 2, 2006 Colonel James Anthony "Buzz" Buzzelli, U.S.A.F. (ret) husband of Yvonne Daniels Buzzelli. The relatives and friends of Col. and Mrs. James Anthony Buzzelli are invited to attend his Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 8, 2006 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, John's Island. Born in Blairsville, PA, June 13, 1939, he was the son of Albert Buzzelli and Perina Pesci Buzzelli. Originally from Castille De Sangre, Italy, Albert proudly immigrated to the US through Ellis Island and settled in PA. His mother Perina was born in Blairsville and lived there her entire life. After graduating from Wittenburg University in Ohio, Jim joined the Air Force and was stationed in Charleston where he met his wife of 42 years Yvonne Daniels. During his 30 year military career he navigated C141s (Charleston and Vietnam), F111s (Vietnam) and was eventually assigned to the 89th and Special Air Missions at Andrews Air Force Base. Based on his stellar work ethic and performance he was promoted to head navigator on Air Force One where he served Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush. During his final six years of service, he served as Deputy Director of the White House Military Office, where he oversaw the acquisitions of the two new Boeing 747s which now fly the President. Highlights of his career include President Reagan pinning on his Colonel's Eagles aboard Air Force One and President Bush retiring him in the White House Oval Office. Degrees and Honors include: MBA from Central Michigan University; The Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and representing the USAF while traveling to almost every country in the world. In his retirement, he enjoyed working at the golf courses on Kiawah, gardening, cooking his mother's Italian recipes and keeping the family tradition alive. He is survived by his wife Yvonne of Kiawah Island, daughter Lisa Buzzelli of Charleston, daughter Jennifer Buzzelli and son-in-law Ramon Canelles of New York City, brother and sister-in-law Dick and Marge Buzzelli of Reston, VA, brother and sister-in-law Dave and Annette Buzzelli of Sucassana, NJ, brother-in-law Alvin "Popeye" Daniels and his wife Ronnie, brother-in-law Charles Kearse of Gaithersburg, MD, 10 beloved nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends. Due to his deep love of nature and dogs, memorial contributions may be made to the John Ancrum SPCA, 3861 Leeds Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405 or the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy, Inc., 23 Beachwalker Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455. Arrangements by JAMES A. McALISTER, INC. 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.
Buzz and I spent many years together flying AF1. We actually met during my first assignment after pilot training graduation---Charleston AFB, S.C. He was a First lieutenant and I still a brown bar. That's a 2nd Lieutenant for all you civilians!! He was always my best buddy and confidant during those USAF days. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Jim.
Robert Ruddick, COL,USAF Ret.
June 05, 2024 | Work
Dear Jen
Although I didn't meet your Dad, I knew you loved him very much. I know you told me he was in the airfoce, but I didn't know what a distinguished career he had. In terms of his career I do remember when we were in Las Vegas some years, we walked along and there was a place you remembered as somwhere your ( then) young married Mum and Dad would go for a rare night out. It seemed to have a magic for you, and certainly it was magic to hear the story.
From your stories and...
Marena Manzoufas
June 19, 2006 | Sydney
June 17,2006
Dear Yvonne and family,
We just heard of your loss. Jim was a very special person and will be remembered fondly by all that knew him. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Keith and Sue Urbach
June 17, 2006 | Polson, MT
Dear Yvonne and Family:
I was so sorry to learn of your loss. Jim was a very special person and a great neighbor. I remember vividly when he took Ann Webb and me, his neighbors, to the White House for lunch--what a treat. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jerry Hammond
June 16, 2006 | Alexandria, VA
Yvonne and family--
Jim was loved and respected by all of us who knew him. It was a privilege to fly with Buzz from his earliest days at the 89th. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike Cooke
June 16, 2006 | Valrico, FL
Dear Mrs Buzzelli and Family:
We were so saddened to hear of your loss of Buzz. We knew him through Cougar Point golf course. He was always such a pleasure when we signed in. We will miss his friendy face at Cougar. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Sincerely:
Chris and Myrna Barton
Chris & Myrna Barton
June 12, 2006 | Kiawah Island, SC
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Col.Buzz was a true friend and will be missed.
Ed Drew
June 10, 2006 | Savannah, GA
Dear Jim,
It has been a day since we all said our good-bys to you old friend. But there were so many things left unsaid. Before you left us, there always seemed to be time to say and do things. I tried to get in touch last summer without any luck. I thought I would get back again and left without saying hello. So many regrets.
We were not the life long friends like those old Charleston and Andrews people you spent so much time with. Our paths crossed for a short time...
Frank Gatto
June 09, 2006 | State College, PA
Mrs. Buzzelli,
We are very sorry for the loss of your husband; you have our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers. We really enjoyed your husband's visits to our office. He was a very nice, friendly gentleman. We will certainly miss him and his interesting stories. Dr. Riker really appreciated the USAF memorabilia Mr. Buzzelli gave him. Please take care and let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Kevin Riker and Staff
June 09, 2006 | Charleston, SC
