Todd Buffa

Dear Lynn, Avery, Jay and Family-
I am so sorry for your loss, may you know no more sorrow.

"Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it."( Anais Nin)

My friendship with Todd has always been rare and precious to me.
I shall always remember him with love.
L'Chaim- To Life

With deepest condolences-

Todd was good friend in high school. We all had many
good times listening to music in his basement. All that
knew him will miss him. Sorry for your loss of a loved one.

I knew Todd in high school thru music. May you teach the Angles to sing.

Todd was a friend in the high school jazz band, band and anything that had to do with music. May you play on in heaven and teach the angles how to sing.

Todd was a dear friend of mine in high school. He had a special way about him which made people feel welcomed, cared about, and very special.

When I took voice lessons from Todd just a few years ago, we made time for each other to catch up on the nearly 40 years that had passed. I cherished the time then, and I will continue to cherish his spirit for a very long time.

I remember when Todd and I met for my first voice lesson. I said to him, "You look familiar to me; are you someone famous?" Todd responded, "Aren't we all famous in our own rite?" What a great man!

I will keep Todd's memory alive; a memory of kindness, gentleness, compassion, understanding, and of the greatest talent that came out of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

In addition, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to read Todd's book of poems.

Todd, you will be deeply missed by all of us who truly knew you. Keep the MUSIC playing!

Music is such a great way to connect with people. Todd will be missed. Sorry for your loss.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Todd's passing. We shared so many good times together playing music and just enjoying life. Many years later I saw Rare Silk perform in Los Angeles and was knocked out by the music and vocals they had put together. I had also turned towards jazz as a guitar player and still remember doing jingles and working in rock bands together. Todd has left a beautiful mark on our world. My deepest condolences go out to Lynn, Avery and all of Todd's extended family.

Dear Lynn,

Todd's heart and music blessed so many, so deeply, he is remembered fondly! I am grateful that I was able to work with him, and recall many swinging nights on the bandstand. I am deeply saddened by your loss, and our loss collectively. God needs him now, in the eternal jazz group. He was truly Rare Silk.
Jason Kruk (Westport, CT)

What a gift you are to God's choir.

Many fond memories of hanging out with Todd, Jay, David and Mike Vandenack, Fred Sin, Linda, Bob Piontek, and others in the Buffa basement listening to Zappa, Santana, John Lennon.ect... This was 1970 and 1971. Part of the equation was BF(big Frank)- Tod and Jay's dad. Also Ginny, their mom. She was always so nice to me. Part of the fun was going to their R and R gigs. I moved to west coast in 1976 and did not keep in touch. Saw Todd a few times over the years in GreenBay when I came back to visit. Thank you, Todd for the memories. You are unforgettable and classy! I'm glad Todd found love and family.

I had the pleasure of working with Todd for many years taking private lessons with him at Henri's Music. He gave me the ability to find my own voice and share my love of music with the people around me. He had an amazing gift and I feel lucky he shared a little bit of that with me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and dear friends. May his music bring you comfort in the hard days ahead. Kate Spencer

Dear Lynn, so sorry to hear of your loss. Unfortunately I never met Todd, but he sounds like one amazing person. You and the kids are in my thoughts & prayers. Love, your cousin, Mona

I have so many great memories of our high school days, rocking 'n rolling and hanging out in Todd's basement. I've known Todd since 1968 when he joined our R&R band in high school. He lifted us to another level and we all became better musicians because of his talent. The fun we had together will never be forgotten. That "kid" could rock! When he came back to Green Bay in '99, we reconnected and had a chance to relive our high school R&R days when Todd would be a guest singer with The DOWGS. Many know Todd as a jazz singer, but that "Cat" could rock, too!

Todd, it's saddening to know that you had to leave us so early, but I know that you will never be forgotten. I appreciate everything you have done for me in the short time I was able to do vocal lessons with you. There were often times when you would help me finish a song that I was writing, and you weren't ever afraid to critique my work. Your constructive criticism has undoubtedly made me a better musician. I am blessed to have learned so much from your teaching. You are truly an inspiration to me, teaching me to do what I think is best for myself and to do what makes me happy, but not forgetting others along the way. You are a big part of the reason why I am now a music minor at UW-Whitewater and why I will continue on my journey into the world of music after college. Thank you for everything!

God Bless. Rest in peace.

Together with Scott Roche, I was Todd, and Rare Silk's manager for a couple years. I think Dylan Thomas, who Todd was on speaking terms with said it best in his brilliant poem about dying. And as is fitting, the paragraph i will quote, talks about the "green bay". rest in peace, my talented friend.

"Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

I had the honor of having Todd sing on a new release called, Jumpin' Jazz ~ A Swinging Jungle Tale, which will be released in Feb, 2012.
This recording date was the first time I had ever met Todd, and it was so clear that he is a world class talent. I'm thankful our paths crossed, and his talent will live on through this upcoming recording.
Please look for it in the next few months. He was at the top of his game! Steve Barta

Todd and I shared the profound experience of performing together from 1980 to 1988 in the vocal group 'Rare Silk'. We also shared a home in Boulder (and on the road!) for 12 years and created a family with Avery while he attended High School in Boulder.
What a ride it was! Good times, bad times... we shared them all. By 1992, we parted ways, having shared all we could.
What an immensely talented man Todd was. Musical poetry.
I am so happy he found the love of his life in Lynn.
Keep making music, dear spirit.

We will remember Todd Buffa. He was extremely talented and he was unique. We have lost someone original, and we will miss him.
Mario Gallus
Virginia Janssen

Todd Buffa and I grew up together in high school as young musicians in Green Bay from 1968-1971. Daily we would get together at his house and play music we knew and loved: the Beatles, the Doors, and Cream's latest music, as well as Frank Zappa. We played in a few bands together in 1970-71. After high school, I want on to classical music and Todd went on to jazz, especially vocal compositions and arrangements. I have so many great memories growing up with Todd. I will miss him.

My dear, dear Lynn: I feel so honored that in the very short time that I've known Todd, he accepted me into his heart and made me feel so trusted and at ease in the presence of such greatness. I was so looking forward to a long and interesting friendship. His depth of character, positive attitude in a challenging world, and amazing talent left me so hopeful and excited for more. I am devastated for you and for both of your families. Your hearts must be aching. I am so sorry, my friend. I will be home soon. Kris

I had not spoke or worked with Todd in 10 years but recently (about 6 weeks ago) had a chance to reconnect with him. He had returned my phone message with excitement, and a simple call turned into a 30 minute catch up. We talked much about our currect musical situations with the hopes of possibly working together again soon. He had talked about being in the process of putting together another European project in support of his latest recordings, something he really wanted to do and seemed very excited to talk more about. I look back at that conversation now (just a few short weeks ago) and am very happy that we reconnected. Funny how those things happen after all these years! It was a tremendous honor and a privilege to have shared the stage with him. His outstanding talent and professionalism will be greatly missed by all!

Thank you Todd for your friendship and conversations. It was always a joy to watch you perform. And I never let the album be heard before it was released. You are truely missed by so many and my prayers and thoughts go out to you and all of your family and friends. Sing us a song from above my friend! I will never stop letting music be a part of my life! You inspire me.

Todd was nice, friendly, and talented. It was great having him back in Green Bay. He will be missed. My sympathies to his family. Sandra Schroeder Swoboda, East High class of '71

Todd was very special indeed and I know he will be missed by many. He was a beautiful individual and an exceptional teacher. We were so fortunate to have crossed paths with him and are thankful for all of his teaching and mentoring to Karl. So very sorry for your loss, Lynn. - Helga Miller

January 29, 2012
One of Green Bay's great talents is gone long before his time. I went to high school with Todd; he graduated a year behind me. Followed him over the years and always enjoyed him as a person, as well as a great entertainer. My deepest sympathy to Lynn and Avery and all family members.

Todd was a remarkable talent, and a great person. I feel lucky to have made his acquaintance. Lynn, my heart goes out.

You were a great vocal coach to both my sister and me. You were always so patient and encouraging. You will be missed greatly

-Jillian Freund, sister Jess Freund

We thoroughly enjoyed Todd's exceptional singing at our UU Fellowship in Door County. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Our hearts are with you.
Lynn and John Lees

Enjoyed your art tremendously, and all too briefly. My condolences to your friends and family.