Robert Buza

Robert A Buza Sr. passed away unexpectedly January 24, 2026. He was born February 4, 1937, in Akron, Ohio to Michael and Helen Buza. He married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Mary Alene Ballard in 1957. They were just shy of 65 years together when she passed in 2022. He was a very quiet man, leading his life and his family with gentle fortitude.

Bob graduated from Akron Hower Vocational School, Class of 1955, studying electronics. Being such a good student, he assisted in working on several military projects. He began a highly successful journey of self- employment on his first day out of high school in the plastering trade under the business name of B&J Plastering Company, later renamed Summit Drywall. He was very proud of being a successful self-made man. As a member of the Plasterers and Cement Masons Union Local #109, he was a master at his craft and highly known for his skill in creating signature ceiling rosettes in many of the homes in the Akron area. He joked, "If you have one in your home, I probably did it". Some of his other notable work was applying the foundation for Don Drumm wall art around the city of Akron and stuccoing the walls of Parasson's Restaurant in North Hill and other locations. His company is listed in the newspaper article of their "Grand Opening" currently hanging on the wall of Parasson's on Waterloo Road.

As a young man in the 1950's, he loved drag racing down Main Street in his 1956 red Ford convertible. As he grew, he developed an impeccable work ethic and his generosity and kindness knew no bounds. He survived a heart attack at age 48 and a long ICU battle with Covid-19 at age 84. He took great pride in raising his three children to be as hard-working, devoted and independent as he was. Bob had a passion for traveling and enjoyed lounging on beaches or cruising whenever he could. Taco Tuesday dinners with family and friends, Friday morning breakfasts with his friend Ralph Blachly and his sister-in-law and husband, Polly and Barry Greathouse were highlights of his week. He cherished his membership of 56 years at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, rarely missing a service. His faith was a very large part of his life.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Alene, brothers Michael and Jim Buza, sister Anna Corl, and great-grandson Travis Mason. He is survived by his sisters, Helen Turchin and Barbara Freeman (Harold), his son, Robert Buza Jr (Darlene), and daughters, Marcie Mason (David) and Lori Snyder (Greg). He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Terry Phillips (Tommy), Brittany Buza, Meredith Claburn (Lee), Kelsey Cortina (Ryan), Ryan Snyder (Bethany), Brent Mason, Evan Mason, and twenty great- grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by so many devoted family members and friends. A special thank you to the helpful neighbors who watched over him so he could live out his life at home doing the things he loved, tending his pool, working on his yard, and tinkering in the garage – always wearing suspenders of course! Our family thanks you for your kindness and caring.

Calling hours February 3, 2026, from 4pm-7pm at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333.

Funeral Mass February 4, 2026, at 11am at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1676 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley, OH 44321, where an additional hour of calling will be held from 10am-11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1676 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, 44321 or the Ellet Community Church of God Food Pantry, 2700 Priscilla Ave., Akron, 44312.