Eugene H. Buffo

Eugene H. Buffo, 91 of Bonita Springs, FL passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Formerly of North Canton, OH he moved to Naples, FL in 1995 before relocating to Bonita Springs in 2015. Gene was born April 11, 1933 in Canton, OH a son of the late Marion A. and Jennie (Rossi) Buffo.
Mr. Buffo was a veteran, serving his country in the United States Navy. He was a graduate of Kent State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. In 1960, after the death of his father, Gene, his brother Joseph, and brother-in-law Paul Skolmutch took over the family business, Office Equipment Company of North Canton, where he served as President until his retirement in 1992.
Gene served as President for the North Canton Rotary Club, the North Canton Chamber of Commerce, and the Chautauqua Catholic Community. He also served on the boards of the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Greater Canton Young Life. He was a faithful parishioner and cantor for St. Paul's Catholic Church in North Canton, OH and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples. Later, he was a parishioner at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Bonita Springs.
His love of music led him to co-found the Naples Opera Society, arranging 97 bus trips to Miami and Sarasota opera performances. Gene enjoyed drawing and painting. He maintained a lifelong passion for traveling throughout the U.S. and globally via automobile, travel trailer, motor home, train, cruise ship and airplane. He also spent decades summering at his cottage at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York where he cultivated his love of religion, arts, recreation, music, community, and family.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years, JoAnn H. (Smith) Buffo; loving sons, David (Leslie) Buffo of Westborough, MA, Richard Buffo of Chicago, IL and Stephen (Pamela Zoltowicz) Buffo of Cleveland, OH; 8 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph A. Buffo and Marilyn Skolmutch.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 28300 Beaumont Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34134. A reception will follow.
Inurnment with Military Honors will be held at 2:30 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gene's name may be made to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978