Richard Michael Buono passed into eternal rest on December 9, 2023, surrounded by his family. Richard, or "Richie" as many referred to him, was 90 years old.
Born on June 10, 1933, at home in Glasco, NY to the late Michael and Laura Decicco Buono; Richie first attended Glasco School before moving to the Village of Saugerties at 11 years old. He was a proud graduate of St. Mary of the Snow School, where his mischievous personality started to emerge. Crediting Sister Madeline for his education, Richie continued to enroll his children and grandchildren in the school. From an early age, Richie would have lunch with his father at Michael's Barbershop at the Exchange Hotel and if you believe the stories, gave his first haircut at 11 years old. He was also a member of Boy Scout Troop 36 during his youth.
After graduating from Saugerties High School in 1951, Richie served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He returned home to study Economics at New York University while simultaneously working as a barber in the same barbershop in which he grew up. He continued his education at Marist College. Additionally, Richie worked as a printer for the Catskill Mountain Star. Regardless of where he was, you could count on him to bring his exceptional sense of humor with him. In 1966, Richie entered the funeral business and eventually became the last person in the state of New York to become a licensed funeral director under an apprenticeship program. He founded Buono Funeral Service, Inc. shortly thereafter.
Richie was eternally passionate about serving his community and wore many hats over the years as a result. He served on the Miss Saugerties Pageant Board, the Miss Ulster County Pageant Board, the Rotary Club, and the original Saugerties Chamber of Commerce. For over twenty-five years, he served as the Chairman of the troop committee for Boy Scout Troop 31, a troop his children and grandchildren would also join. He served as a member of the Saugerties Jaycees, the American Legion Post 72, and was Vice President of the Diaz Ambulance Board. Richie's deep appreciation of history lead him to be a member of the Saugerties Historical Society where he served as president for some time. Eventually, Richie's passion for community service led him to running for public office. He served as Ulster County's County Coroner from 1971 to 1979 and was the last person to have held this position before the creation of the Ulster County Medical Examiner's office.
Richie believed deeply in his faith, leading to him holding many roles at Saint Mary of the Snow Parish. Over the years, he served as President of St. Mary of the Snow Parish Council, a team member of the Marriage Encounter, the Christian Family Movement (CFM), as a member of the Holy Name Society, Cursillo, an usher, lector, and Eucharistic minister. Although some priests may have teased Richie for his naps during the homily, he would tell you that it is because he found most peace in God's presence. Richie was a charter member of the Saugerties Knights of Columbus #4536, serving as a past Grand Knight and proudly part of their reputation for enthusiastic community service.
As he aged, Richie proudly watched family take over the funeral business, and enjoyed sitting in the foyer "supervising" and telling stories to friends who called to share condolences. His easy, down-to-earth nature allowed those who knew him to pause in their grief and have a laugh. When he was not in "his" chair, you would most often find him cheering on the Green Bay Packers, or his New York Yankees either home or in the stands as a former season ticketholder. He would tell anyone who asked that the old stadium was far superior to the new one.
Undoubtedly, of his many accomplishments over his lifetime, Richie was proudest of his beloved family. He could thoroughly recount just exactly how, and through whom, most anyone in the family was related, which always included at least one story about them. He married the love of his life, Patricia "Patty" McManus McCahan on October 10, 1965. Together they shared nearly sixty years of marriage, raised six children, and relished their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Richie never missed an opportunity to be silly and share his "best" jokes with them. He enjoyed taking them for ice cream to celebrate any and all occasions in their life, and to sneak in an extra thick vanilla milkshake.
In addition to his wife Patty, Richie is survived by his children: Lisa Osbourn and her husband Jeff of Saugerties; Patrick Buono and his wife Kellie of Saugerties; Dan Buono and his partner Linda of New York City; and Bridget Sullivan and her husband Keith of Saugerties; his grandchildren: Kyle Heckler, Timothy Heckler and his wife Nicole, Matthew Heckler, David Heese and his partner Samantha, Angel Heese, Emma Osborn, Abbey Hernandez and her husband Jordan, Katie Sullivan, Elizabeth Buono, Richard Buono, and Thomas Buono. Nine great grandchildren and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive him. He joins in heavenly rest his parents, his beloved brother Michael and his wife Sophie, as well as two children: Richard M. Buono, Jr. and Melissa Buono.
Those seeking to celebrate Richard's life may call on Wednesday, December 13 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Buono Funeral Service Inc. in his beloved Saugerties. A mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, December 14 at 10:00AM at St. Mary of the Snow Parish, followed by entombment in Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery Mausoleum in Kingston, NY. Richie should best be remembered by continuing to seek opportunities to serve their community, deepen their faith, and make those they love most laugh when it is least appropriate. Friends and loved ones may express their condolences or their favorite story of Richie to Richie's family online at www.BuonoFuneralService.com .