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William Buzzi Obituary
William R. "Bill" Buzzi, 57, of St. Augustine, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct 6, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born and grew up in Torrington, Conn., the son of Albina Buzzi and the late Robert Buzzi. He was a graduate of Washington State University with a B.S. degree in biology, earned an M.S. degree in marine biology from the College of Charleston, and a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of South Carolina. For many years he worked for The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience where served as the Education Coordinator. Most recently he served as director of research and development for Carr Specialty Baits.
Bill was a fascinating man. Though he rarely wore anything but blue jeans and T-shirts, he loved jazz, opera, folk music, politics, kayaking, fishing and literature. He was a talented and accomplished chef. His travels included hiking the steppes of the Himalayan Mountains during a Habitat for Humanity trip, visiting remote villages in Papua, New Guinea and many other adventures. He was a family man who loved his daughters more than anything in the world.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Dr. Susan Yarian of St. Augustine; his daughters, Francesca Buzzi of Washington, D.C., Zoe Buzzi of Tampa, Fla.; his mother, Albina Buzzi of Guilford, Conn.; sisters, Claudia Buzzi DiCamilli and her husband Pietro of Guilford, Conn., and Roberta Wilson and husband Andrew of Annapolis, Md.
A celebration of Bill"s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 13, 2012 at the Whitney Laboratory. In lieu of flowers we would request donations be made to the St. Francis House, 70 Washington St., St. Augustine, FL 32084
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Buzzi
Chip Biernbaum
October 4, 2022
I had Bill as a student in my graduate Marine Invertebrate Zoology course at the College of Charleston. I'll always remember him as a joyful, outgoing fella. He will be missed . . . .
Tom Brody
November 8, 2013
I think about old friends from time to time, some of them every week. Obviously, I am now thinking about Bill. I do not want to believe what I read on this web site. At any rate, I did immunology research at MUSC, using oysters as my subject. Since then, I have continued in immunology and molecular biology research, and have also published a biochem textbook, and a medical textbook. Regarding Bill, it was very easy to determine that Bill was abundantly likeable, well balanced in his outlook towards the world, and that he had a great sense of humor. For example, right before dashing out to the surf at Folly Beach for a swim, he handed me a toy whistle and said, "Tom, please blow this if you see any sharks coming!" At the end of my term at MUSC, Bill took me out for a beer. It was a 2-man goodbye party. This was a very decent thing for Bill to do, and it obviously made a lasting favorable mark on me. Also, I was glad that Bill shared his viscous, strong coffee with me, and also I was glad that he invited me to his wedding. I flew in from Berkeley for the wedding, and had a chance to shake hands with his father. Bill has left a legacy of fond memories that resides in the minds his many friends.
Heather Bremner
June 16, 2013
The first time I met Mr.Buzzy, I was 7 years old in the remote village of southeast Alaska, in the most beautiful town of Yakutat Alaska, he was the teacher at the high school, and I could not wait until I was old enough to be in his class,the kids just loved him, and I never had met someone so excited to teach us, that we were worthy to be taught and that someday we would be something/anything and I truly believed him, I will never forget you and I thank you, for caring,for being you, for the light you shined, wherever you were, love you Mr.Buzzy!
NAncy Hadley
April 1, 2013
I just heard this sad news today. I couldnt believe it at first. Susie, I can't tell you how sorry we are for your loss.
I counted Bill as a great friend even though I have not seen him often since he moved from Charleston. I had the pleasure of working with Bill when he was doing his Masters' project and both he and Susie were favorites of my husband Paul's and mine. We dont have that many friends so this is a great compliment.
Nancy Hadley
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Anil Thakkar
April 1, 2013
I just heard about 'Buzz' that's what we called him in our graduate school at College of Charleston. He was a good friend, so easy going and good in spirits all the time and jovial!
William Anderson
March 31, 2013
I just learned today (Sunday, 31 March 2013) of Bill's death. Bill was a student in my ichthyology class in the fall of 1985 at the College of Charleston's Grice Marine Biological Laboratory. He was a good student and fun to be around. I thoroughly appreciate having had the opportunity to know him.
Noel Richard
November 6, 2012
I got the call several weeks back from L.A.H but I didn't want to believe it and when R.A. forwarded the email from D.L. and I saw it in print, I knew it was true and I had to accept it. Bill Buzzi was a very dear friend of mine. Although my thoughts seem to scatter especially at times like this, I remember the early days at "Bina and Bobs" house at 46 (?) T_______ ? with "Berta" and "Clawd", and maybe even Grandma and a Yellow VW Bug. How we would laugh when he would imitate Bill Cosby doing Noah when asked by the Lord to build him an ark and the sound the bow saw made "Zhwooba, Zhwooba, Zhooba" as the wood was cut. We played Midget Football together and he signed his name BUZZZZZZZZZZZZI on a picture I had. We went skiing at Mohawk and were in the Leaders Club at the Y where we even worked in the CAGE together. I will alwats remember one time when we casued water to spread all over the deck at the old pool in the Y and the pile of towels needed to clean it up and how "Howie Clark's" brow would furl when exclaiming "BUZZI". Such good fun and fond memories of Bill. I seem to recall him in Pullman and someplace in Northern New England (perhaps New Hampshire) where I hitchhiked in the depths of Winter to vist where he insisted on sleeping with the windows WIDE OPEN. We spoke a few times after he headed to the Carolinas and he told me that he had married a wonderful woman. I hope that my musings may have brought a smile to anyone's face or that it lightened your load knowing the joy he brought to my life and that the loss is carried on my shoulders as well.
Linda Morgan
October 24, 2012
Susan, I am so very sorry for your loss!
Monali and Vivek Manikal
October 16, 2012
Susan,
Our deepest sympathies for you and your family .We are so sorry for your loss
Peter Anderson
October 14, 2012
Bill was a wonderful colleague, a real breath of fresh air and someone who could always lighten your day. I feel privileged to have know him.
Margaret Bronson
October 13, 2012
Bill Buzzi was such a brilliant, kind, and funny man with a strong presence that will resonate throughout the Whitney Lab for years to come. May all of your fond memories with Bill bring you peace and comfort. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
October 12, 2012
It is with great sadness to hear of Bill's death. we are just getting ready to plan our 40th class reunion for THS for next year. He was special, and i knew he would go far in life. Such a sweeet man and lots of fun at school functions and at the YMCA. My deepest condolences.
Will Lengyel
October 12, 2012
Susan, Francesca, and Zoe – I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you to embrace the loving memories and find peace.
Patty
October 12, 2012
Rest in peace, Bill.
Kemberly Meeks-Mixon
October 12, 2012
Dr. Yarian- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr Beth Pearce
October 11, 2012
Susan,
Although I never knew Bill personally, from the story told through this site, I see the magic he brought to your world.
My deepest sympathies to you and your daughters.
I hope that comfort finds you in your moments of sadness and the love you have shared, continues to support you in the days ahead.
Warmest Regards,
Beth
Heather Bennett
October 11, 2012
Mr. Buzzi was a remarkable man. I am honored that I had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Yarien and the Buzzi family.
Jen Eurillo
October 11, 2012
Dr. Yarian, though I didn't know your husband, you and your daughters have my deepest sympathies on your loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers and may your wonderful memories comfort you all.
Robert Fenn
October 11, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss to the Dr. Susan Yarian and the Buzzi girls. Bill always put a smile on my face to see him. He was funny, positive and a true inspiration.
His strength and bravery is inspirational as well, I saw him less than two weeks ago, same smile, spark in his eye and good nature I have know for the last 15 yrs. Would have never known what he was going through. I am glad to know him and his impact on my daughter as well was always appreciated.
Michael Lopes
October 11, 2012
RIP my Friend. BUZZI was a great guy and always a pleasure to be in the company with!The world has lost a very special man. Rest in peace my bro.
Penny Byrne
October 10, 2012
To Bill's wife, daughters and family,
The Buzzi family will always hold a special place in my memories. Our parents were good friends and as I grew up, I was always intrigued by the stories shared about Bill, his wonderful family and the goodness he brought to his world.
My deepest sympathies
October 10, 2012
Bill was my brother's brother-in-law, but really he was the brother that Andy didn't have. I met Billy about 3 years ago and subsequently met Susie and Frannie. He was always friendly, kind, and full of life. What a great sense of humor he had. I always thought he was so intelligent but so modest about what he could do. I will miss his wonderful smile and happy nature.
I hope that his daughters realize what a great person he was and appreciate their dad. It is hard being young and losing a parent. Shirley Wilson Bates
Jim Thrall, THS 73
October 10, 2012
If we could all bring a little of "Bill" to the world every day, the world would be a lot happier.
Ann Frauenhofer
October 10, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Buzzi family. Though I haven't been in touch with Bill since high school, I will never forget how intelligent or what fun he was; nor will I forget the smile that showed in his eyes as well as his face, and kindness he had for all. As you go through the grieving process, try to take comfort from the fact that he touched many lives in a very positive way. Be proud of the man he became...a true humanitarian. My thoughts are with you in this time of great sorrow.
Rich Goodwin
October 10, 2012
I had the great fortune of working with Bill in Dr. Rich Showman's lab at USC. He was a such a smart and wonderful person. I learned a lot from him and I was probably not the easiest person to teach. I am truly grateful for his patience with me. I am very sorry for your loss. I found out about Bill's passing yesterday at nearly the same time my Developmental Biology paper was accepted for publication. I felt like Bill was smiling on me. So, I am dedicating the article to Bill. He was a spectacular Developmental Biologist and an even better human being.
October 10, 2012
God bless your family,Bill was a friend
of mine at THS 1973.A great guy that made
us all laugh. Ray Alfano Jr
October 10, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Susan and Girls. God Bless Bill. Joe, Lea, and Fox Family.
Debbie Jarrard
October 10, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss Dr. Yarian. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers
Bette Rosenthal
October 10, 2012
Claudia,
It's been a long long time since Freshman year at Clark U. I have lived in St. Augustine since 1976. I saw this notice in the local paper and knew that Buzzi and Torrington could only mean one family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please express my condolences to the rest of Bill's family.
May his memory be a blessing for you all, and give you strength.
October 10, 2012
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a very good person. I am sure he is in a peacefull place now. God bless you all.
Paolo Pece
Marty Coyne
October 10, 2012
Susan, Francesca and Zoe,
We're very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will treasure the memories of your family on the St. Augustine Campus.
Marty & Susan Coyne and Family
Vinnie Basquin
October 10, 2012
I loved Bill. Looking at his picture it looked like he retained that spark his whole life. He was a YMCA friend in my youth. Always kind and lots of fun. My deepest sympathy.
Vinnie Basquin - Torrington, CT
Shemeeka Lewis
October 10, 2012
Susan my thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls. I remember when I first met your husband, he was so kind and nice to me. He will be missed.
Linda Moranino-Paganini
October 10, 2012
To The Buzzi Family: His smiling face and friendship through high school has always been a wonderful memory for me. So much fun with him and friends at the YMCA and school functions for the class of 1973. Very hard to hear Billy has passed from this earth. My deepest sympathy and prayers to his family.
Gail Cullum
October 9, 2012
Susan, Francesca, and Zoe - our hearts are with all of you.
Susan Scaff
October 9, 2012
Susan ~ Thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May God provide you with understanding, strength, and comfort.
October 9, 2012
What a tragedy and what a nice guy. Our sympathy to your family.
Bob, Carol and Kira Freudenberger
Denise Longobucco-Bierce
October 9, 2012
So hard to think Billy has left this earth. His Spirit and Happiness will live on. Such a good friend at THS and in our HS class of 1973. So much fun in Leaders Club at the YMCA, and always a smile on his face. Will always remember the laughter and fun around Billy.
Our Love and Prayers and Blessings to Billy's family.
Denise Longobucco-Bierce
Shirley Longobucco and Family
Torrington High School Class of 1973
Gail Coretto
October 9, 2012
Although I haven't seen Buzzi since high school, nothing that I am reading about him surprises me. I fondly remember our days together at the Y and at summer camp. Gone to soon!
Mike&Deborah Struhar
October 9, 2012
A memory of Bill:
Thursday, May 6, 2010 – took Holland, Bill and 2 dozen finger mullet fishing offshore – went to PW2 and zero bait/bites…but, Bill was freaking out about the concentration of comb jellies in the water (“do you know these Ctenophores are the largest cilia-propelled animals on earth?!”) He couldn't help himself - that irrepressible love for the science of life spilled out.
He touched thousands of young lives as the Education Coordinator at Whitney Lab - what a legacy!
Our sincere condolences to his family.
We tortured 'em today at the DAW for you, bro!
barbara kuhn
October 9, 2012
will miss his wave when seeing him drive down the street. my prayers are with the family
Herm Lehman
October 9, 2012
Bill, This place will not be the same without you. Miss you old friend.
Tammy Simmons
October 9, 2012
From a fellow neighbor..thou we did not know him personally, we would wave to him often..our prayers go out you and your daughters...
Kathleen Oktavec
October 9, 2012
Dr. Buzzi's love of teaching and helping others discover the joys of science left a great impression on me during my summers working with him in the lab. He introduced me to scientific research and has remained a continued inspiration in my career. Away from the lab he was a wonderful, caring father evident by his fantastic girls. I know he will be greatly missed but his love of discovery and curiosity will live on through all his students.
October 9, 2012
Louise and I will always Treasure of knowing and working with Bill at the Lab. He was a one of a kind person with his daughters the love of his life. Our sympathy goes out to his wife ,Daughters and family.
Bob & Louise Mac Donald
Paul Linser
October 9, 2012
Bill was a unique guy. His laughter will resonate in my life as long as I am around. I am very happy to have met him and his family through the research in neural development that we did together way back when.
Tim Cavacini
October 9, 2012
Susan, my thoughts are with you and your daughters. So sorry for your loss
Sherri Maetozo
October 9, 2012
Susan, my deepest sympathy to you , your girls, and your entire family.
Sherri Maetozo
October 9, 2012
Susan, my deepest sympathy to you , your girls, and your entire family.
Gary Hoog
October 9, 2012
He will be missed by the lives he touched, especially students. He will be missed as great contributor to our community.
Nancy Perry
October 9, 2012
Bill was a wonderful person. I'll always remember his shared enthusiasm with the students who came to the Whitney Lab. My deepest sympathy to Susan, the girls, and the extended family.
Maureen Welch
October 9, 2012
Buzzi bristled with life and joy. He opened the eyes of countless students to the natural world surrounding them. He lived enthusiastically. I will love and remember him always.
October 9, 2012
God Bless you and yours.
Tracy Capua
October 9, 2012
Thought I didn't know Bill, I do know Susan. My heart and prayers for the family at this most difficult time.
Cecile Nusbaum
October 9, 2012
Bill was a wonderful person and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Richard Louttit
October 9, 2012
Bill was a wonderful man and central to developing the experiments used with students in the Day at the Whitney program.
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