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Donald Buzinkai Obituary
Donald Imrich Buzinkai, Ph.D., beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, mentor and friend, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, at his home in Wilkes-Barre.
Affectionately known to friends and colleagues as Buzz, he was born Sept. 10, 1939, in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dr. Buzinkai was Professor Emeritus of Political Science, retiring from King's College in 2000, following a career that began in 1964. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in history from St. Francis College in Brooklyn in 1960, his master of arts in 1961 and doctorate degree in 1964, both in political science, from New York University. He was the founding chair of the Department of Political Science at King's College, where he served as the pre-law advisor and mentor to his students. He was an active member and held elected positions in political science societies including Pennsylvania Political Science Association and Northeastern Political Science Association. He authored numerous publications and was an active discussant at professional conferences.
Buzz was an avid tennis player and enjoyed following New York baseball and football teams.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, the former Veronica (Ronnie) Feger, with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage on Aug. 25; children, John, his wife, Serena, and their son, Brennan, of Chattanooga Tenn.; Elizabeth, her husband, Steve Coffey, and their daughters, Amanda and Melanie, of Stonington Conn.; Christopher, his wife, Patricia, and their sons, Zackary, William and Quinn, of Kingston; Donald, his wife, Lora, and their children, Zoe and Noah, of Madison, N.J.
The Buzinkai family is grateful to Dr. David Greenwald and his staff for their care and support of Buzz during his illness.
Celebration of Donald's Life will be held Monday with a Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Christ the King on the campus of King's College. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at McLaughlin's - The Family Funeral Service, 142 S. Washington St. in Wilkes-Barre.
A memorial scholarship has been established in honor of Dr. Buzinkai. Donations may be made to King's College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18711. Permanent messages and memories can be shared with Buzz's family at www.celebratehislife.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Buzinkai
Paul Schrader
October 8, 2019
His spirit lives on in all the lives he touched as professor and friend. In these difficult times for our country his voice is missed, but I can guarantee you it lives on in those he touched. He is one of four people who made a major impact on my life: my parents, Robert Kennedy and Donald Buzinkai. We had our differences. He was a Giant fan and I was a Redskin fan, but we both had a keen dislike for the Dallas Cowboys. Great times watching games at his home with Ronnie and the kids and helping him cope with home ownership in the countryside which was a challenge for a Brooklyn boy just like riding the subway was a challenge for me. Never forget you my friend.
John and Bonnie Burke
October 14, 2012
Buzz Patty Zack William Quinn and Family. We are sorry for your loss of a great man husband father and grandfather. We are glad to have known your father Buzz and will miss him dearly. You are a great father and neighbor Buzz and we will never forget him.
Paul Schrader
October 13, 2012
Dr. Buzinkai was my advisor at King's College and a very special friend during and after college. He had faith and confidence in me and will always remain an individual who had and still does have major impact in my academic, professional and personal life. I remember the trips with him and Ronie after college graduation each year to visit inner cities in the Midwest and trips to Canada for fun. Fond memories of Buzz and Ronnie forever will be in my heart.
michael roarty
October 13, 2012
Dr. Buzinkai softened my hard right edges back in the early 80's....his insights made me look at issues that i had thought were so very blk and white and made me re-think..I iwe much to him. He had a sign on his office wall from Eugene Debs which read " Even if I could lead you out of the bonds of slavery I would not I would not be a Moses to lead you into the Promised Land, because if I could lead you into it, someone else could lead you out of it.” I never forgot it.
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Martin Kearney
October 13, 2012
He inspired me to think, to care about issues of race and discrimination, and helped to inspire my public service career. Thank you, Dr. Buzinkai, for all you have done.
Linda and Don Malkemes
October 13, 2012
Buzz, Patty,and family-We are sorry for your loss. We will lift your family up in prayer for God's comfort and strength for you all at this difficult time. Don and Linda Malkemes
Andrew Stine
October 13, 2012
Very good teacher and someone who helped me get into law school. Dr. B worked with me for two years to forward my education into Law School, I am forever grateful. To Dr. Buzinkai's family, I am sorry for your loss. Andrew D. Stine, Esq.
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