Robert W. Buschman

AUBURN - Robert W. (Bob) Buschman, 76, passed away peacefully at his home on Perry Street in Auburn, Sept. 5, 2002, following a courageous struggle with cancer.

Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Walter and Meta Howodell Buschman. He graduated from high school in Albany and was a World War II Army Air Force veteran. He moved to Auburn in 1948 and was employed with Western Electric as an electrician. In 1951 he began his career with the New York State Thruway as a toll maintenance supervisor, retiring in 1988.

Mr. Buschman was a communicant of St. Alphonsus Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, Highland Golf Club, Elks Club and the VFW Post 1975. Children and coaching were important to him and he was very active in both CYO basketball and Little League baseball. He was an avid fan of Syracuse University sports and enjoyed showing his enthusiasm at each game. He was a faithful husband and father for 52 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Pitcher Buschman of Auburn; his eight children, Kathleen Buschman of Weedsport, Rob Buschman and his companion Eileen McHale of Auburn, Douglas Buschman and his wife Connie of Auburn, Laureen Buschman and her companion Daniel Benigni of Auburn, James Buschman and his companion Susan Dwyer of Auburn, Kenneth Buschman of Syracuse, Julie Netti and her husband Jack of Auburn and Attorney Steven Buschman of Auburn; eight grandchildren, Sebastian and David Kalitan, Zachary and Jacob Buschman and Matthew, Lacey, Caroline and Claire Netti; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Betty Pitcher of Auburn; niece, Michelle Cuddy and family; and nephew, Michael Pitcher and family.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Linda Buschman Kalitan in 1986; and by his brother, Walter Buschman.

Friends and relatives are welcome to visit the family from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Langham Funeral Home, 75 E. Genesee St., Auburn. A service by the Elks will be held 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Family prayers will be held 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9 from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Church. The Rev. Louis Vasile will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fleming.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn; or to the St. Alphonsus CYO, c/o Mr. and Mrs. Scott LaRue, 126 Lake Ave., Auburn, in memory of Bob Buschman.

"Go SU," Bob Buschman.