Philip Buzzell

Lieutenant Colonel Philip Buzzell, age 89, passed away peacefully on June 17th surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, Phil lived a life marked by service, dedication, achievement, and love.

Phil was born to Maurice and Opal (Keazer) Buzzell in Proctor, Vermont on January 28th, 1937. Phil distinguished himself early as an outstanding student, graduating as the valedictorian of his High School class. He graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in Biology. While originally intending to become a doctor, Phil opted for a career with the United States Army, in keeping with his family tradition. This accomplished career included two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he exemplified leadership, courage, and commitment throughout his years of service.

Following his retirement from the army, Phil enjoyed a rich career with Daily Express in Carlisle, where he worked until his retirement in 1997. Among many other things, working at Daily gave him the opportunity to own a piece of the Berlin Wall, fitting since Phil was stationed in Germany in 1961 when the wall went up. Phil loved Carlisle, opting to move back from all the places he and his family had lived during various military tours, saying it invoked the small-town feel that Pittsford, Vermont had when growing up.

Above all else, Phil treasured his family. He married his sweetheart Lorraine Heleba on May 7, 1960. Together, Phil and Lorraine shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. As a father, Phil instilled the value of hard work, the virtue of character, and the importance of family. As a grandfather, Phil made it a top priority to be there for every sporting event, dance recital, and school activity. He also supported all of the family from afar on their various ventures, passionate about keeping up with his family.

Phil is pre-deceased by his brothers Paul, Joseph, Robert, Berkeley and sister Hazel. Phil is survived by his wife Lorraine Buzzell, his three daughters: Debbie Dicker and her husband, Ted Dicker; Lynn Cafarchio and her husband, Pete Cafarchio; and Pam Deitz and her husband, Eugene Deitz. He was also a cherished grandfather to six grandchildren: Allegra Cafarchio and her husband, Zach Panayotopoulos, Regina Cafarchio, Dan Dicker and his fiancé, Shelly Friedrich, Alyssa Wagner and her husband, Brandon Wagner, Tyler Deitz, and Zach Deitz, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

Those who knew Phil will remember his high regard for family, quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, sharp intellect, great sense of humor, and deep love for the people closest to him. His legacy lives on through his family, the values he instilled, and the many lives he touched throughout his 89 years. Phil will forever be loved and while he also will be dearly missed, his spirit remains with those who loved him. Phil charted his own course through life and while it was not without difficulty at times, he achieved great success and a lasting legacy that will endure.

A private funeral and graveside service with full military honors will be held at St. Patrick's Shrine Church and Cemetery.