Peter Edward Buffo, Jr.
October 15, 1935 ~ September 4, 2011
Peter Edward Buffo, Jr., 75, of Weirton died Sunday September 4, 2011, at the Trinity West Medical Center, Steubenville, OH.
Born on October 15, 1935 in Red Lodge, MT, Pete was the son of the late Peter E. and Mary Echelle Buffo, Sr.
A 1953 graduate of New Cumberland High School, Pete retired from Weirton Steel Production and Planning Department with 38 years of service. He also served his country with the United States Marine Corp for 22 years.
Pete was known to many area athletes as Coach Buffo as he dedicated 40 years to coaching area youths from Sacred Heart of Mary Boys and Girls Basketball, and American Legion Post 10 and Post 34 Baseball teams. He also refereed basketball for twenty years from 1956 to 1976, refereeing the WV State Basketball tournament in 1975.
Pete was a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Holy Name, Knights of Columbus 3734, Moose 688, Weirton Steel 25 Year Club, Tri Stare Marine Corp Club, and a proud co founder of the Tri State Young Marines.
Pete is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Koper Buffo, whom he married on May 2, 1959; two sons, John (Tina) and Joseph Buffo all of Weirton; daughter, Gina (Terry) Lonett of Pittsburgh, PA; two sisters, Frances Butcher of Weirton and Kathryn Hudson of Mc Alester, OK; six grandchildren, Joshua, Michael, Steven, Alexis, Samantha, and Meikka Buffo; step grandchildren, Steven and Jacob Lonett; great granddaughter, Maria Elizabeth Buffo.
Visitation will be 4-8 PM Tuesday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV.
Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 4 PM Tuesday.
Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Wednesday at Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Weirton
Interment will follow at Saint Paul Cemetery, Weirton, with Military grave side services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tri State Young Marines or to the Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church.
It was an honor to serve with M/SGT Buffo on the staff of the Tri-State Young Marine Unit. I will always remember the way he took me under his wing and taught me the many things he learned in the Marine Corps. Edward C. Martrin
Dad, You touched so many lifes in the past 40 years. You may not be here in body and soul But, will be remembered by all as a leader, mentor, friend, grandfather, father and husband. I will miss the times a daughter gets to spend with her father. I miss you and Love you more than life its self. Love you Dad, Gina
We are truly saddened at the loss of Pete. He was such a great guy, who was such a big part of Danny’s life for many years. We never had to worry about Danny when he was in Pete’s care. Actually he was like a grandfather to him. Please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your special husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed by everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
Love and miss you Dad!
Love and miss you Dad!
Jo ann and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. Pete and I refereed many games. He also was a great baseball coach. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, jerry Hamill
To his family, you are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Stay strong. Pete, you touched the lives of many, especially with the Young Marines. You truly did do your job, making the world a better place. May you rest in peace, sir.
Gina, It is with a heavy heart that I sign this book.My thoughts are with you, your mom,Johnny and Joey.May the memories of your dad embrace your heart.Jesus said”I am going to prepare a place for you so that where I am you may be too.” heaven has welcomed an angel. sincerely, Kathy
We will miss him greatly.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I worked with Pete when I was sports editor at the Weirton Daily Times in the early 80s and he was coaching. What a terrific guy. He always treated me great. My fondest memories are of us traveling to Charleston for the state tournament. He gave a lot to the community and will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Buffo, Johnny, Gina and Joey: I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Buffo’s passing. I feel such an emptiness with his passing. Being a child growing up in the neighborhood you were my second family. From being your babysitter to sitting on your front porch in the summer evenings and hanging out were some of my best times growing up. Your dad taught me and so many of us to water ski. When I burned my leg he ran in and got his first aid kit. How I remember looking forward to watching his Fireworks display each year with Mrs. Buffo’s amazing beer cookies. Your father was a great man and will be missed by so many. You have my deepest sympathy. I am sure my mom is welcoming him in Heaven with the rest of our neighborhood that has passed on. May God be with you and comfort you during this difficult time.
To the Buffo family, You have my deepest sympathies. I have know Pete for many years…it seems as if he was everywhere. He gave unselfishley to the community, especially the youth.
JoAnn, Johnny, Gina & Joey, I am so sorry to hear about the lost of Eddie. I have so many memories of Eddie at family functions and outside activities. He was a really great guy. I hope him, my dad and Richard aren’t causing too much trouble now that they are together again. May God be with all of you and bless you.
Our sympathies to the family. Pete was our friend for many years. From Hardins Run to the present.He will be sadly missed.
I will miss you Pete.
Mrs. Buffo, Johnny, Gina and Joey, We were so sad to hear of Mr. Buffo’s passing. He was a wonderful and kind soul. Memories of him will stay in our hearts forever! We are comforted to know that he no longer suffers and is at peace with our Lord. He now has the “best seat in the house” for Notre Dame football games. He will deeply missed!! Love and prayers to you all.
Michael, Steven, and the entire Buffo family… May God bless you during this time…Eric Meek and family ..
to the entire buffo family, i am truly sorry about your loss. my condolences. mr. buffo was a great guy.
We had many good memories traveling all over with the Post 10 American Legion baseball team. May he rest in peace. Our prayers go out to the family.
God only made a few men who was a very special person. Pete had to be on top of God’s list. When your children were playing ball for Pete, You new he was the best and your child was safe. His unselfeseness with children will never be forgotten. We will keep Pete & family in our prayers.
Mrs. Buffo, Johnny, Gina, and Joey… as well as Alexis, Sammy, Mikka, and the rest of the Buffo Families; It is with great sadness that we send our condolences on the loss of your loved one. Mr. Buffo was a wonderful man, and was very kind and supportive to me during the loss of my own father. My boys use to deliver the newspaper to you both and he was very encouraging with all the kids with his involvement in the community. We are here for you, and send our love and strength to you all during this most difficult time. Wayne Hoover, Holly (Pleasants)Bell-Hoover, Thomas Bell III, Austin Hoover and Christopher Hoover
PLEASE EXCEPT MY CONDOLENCE .PETE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN .I HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH HIM WHEN I WAS ON STAFF WITH HTE YOUNG MARINES HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!
Mrs. Buffo, Johnny, Gina & Joey I’m sorry. You have my deepest sympathy. I enjoyed playing baseball for Pete. Michael & I still recall the great times we had when Pete was our coach. Also, the 4th of July fireworks, the jart tournaments in the front yard, the late night conversations on the front porch, and the anonymous ND notes I would send him are all great memories I have of Peter Edward Buffo, Jr. Rest In Peace my friend.
Mrs. Buffo, Johnny, Gina & Joey I’m sorry. You have my deepest sympathy. I enjoyed playing baseball for Pete. Michael & I still recall the great times we had when Pete was our coach. Also, the 4th of July fireworks, the jart tournaments in the front yard, the late night conversations on the front porch, and the anonymous ND notes I would send him are all great memories I have of Peter Edward Buffo, Jr. Rest In Peace my friend.
Mrs.Buffo,John,Gina & Joey Pete will be missed by many people it was fun playing ball with him,he was a kind man. All of you are in my thoughts & Prayers. TJ
Buffo family, Very sorry to hear about Coach Buffo’s passing. Some of the greatest years of my life were spent with him and post 10. You always new that your were going to run in to him at a community event or get together. Isn’t it crazy to think about the number of boys that he not just coached, but helped mold into men. He will be greatly missed. Our Condolences, The Buracchio Family
Dear Joann and Family, you have my deepest sympathies on your loss. Love and God Bless, Rosalie
rest in peace Master SGT Buffo, Pete USMC you will be missed You have been like a father to me and it was a great honor serving under you. I believe I speak for everyone when I say We Love you and don’t know what the world will do without you.I would not be the man I am today without you yelling and putting your boot up my butt and pushing me to be he best Marine and Man I can be.Now that you’re gone a peace of my heart is missing I will miss your voice and love. No one can ever replace you. Thank you again for all what you have done for me and thank you for serving this country the world and the corp will miss you. Rest In Peace.
To the Buffo family, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Master Sgt. Buffo was truly a great person. Through the many years that I spent in and out of the Tri State Young Marines, Master Sgt. Buffo was a great mentor and friend. Much of my discipline that was instilled in me came from Pete and I know that his memory will continue to drive and motivate others.
You have my deepest sympathy. Sgt Buffo was a wonderful person and we shared so many fun times at Fort Henry Days. He was inspiration to all the young people that he mentored over the years and a good man. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Master Sgt. Buffo will be sadly missed. He was a great mentor to my children Dylan, Cynthia, Mallory and Jessica who were all in the Tri-State Young Marines. He certainly made this quote a true statement…”Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they have made a difference, Marines don’t have that problem.” Master Sgt Buffo made an incredible difference in many lives and his community. When he was called to heaven, it must have been because God needed an angel to keep the other angels in line. Thank you so much to his family for sharing such a great man.We all loved him and his memory will be in our hearts forever.
My heart goes out to to the Buffo family, I was blessed to spend a few yrs playing legion ball under the direction of coach Buffo. I don’t know that I’ve met a more caring man than him. Proud of his family, friends, the kids he worked tirelessly with, and the country he fought to protect. The first time I heard toby keith’s made in america I could’nt help but think of Mr. Buffo, thats just who he was. You will be missed coach, enjoy an eternity of peace you have earned it! With love the Gibbs family
Mrs Buffo, Johnny, Gina and Joey, Even though it’s been 32 years since the Sacred Heart basketball days, I can still hear his booming voice calling my name (and the names of every other of my teammate’s). At the time, I didn’t understand the importance of discipline in sports, but the lessons carried with me through life. When I saw him throughout the years, Mr. Buffo always took time to ask how each aspect of my life was. I’ll miss the booming voice; but it will always be with me. My deepest sympathies. Alex
Our sympathy to the Buffo family…Pete will always be remembered by his friends and classmates from New Cumberland…may he rest in peace
Buffo Family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. Coach Buff was a great Coach, Teacher, and a Life Friend. I will greatly miss him and all the laughs and hard work that we shared. He will forver be in my Heart. Maff
I first got to know Pete about 17 years ago. Amazing how you meet someone and feel as if they’ve always been a part of your life! I had the opportunity to get to know Pete EVEN BETTER after he “roped me in” as staff for the Young Marine program. As a fellow staff members, we shared laughter, arguments and sometimes even a little fear together — just as any normal family members would. I will always think of Pete that way…family. We will miss him so much and our prayers are certainly with all his family members during this difficult time!! Love, Tamara Green – and family
When I think of Weirton and baseball, I will always think of you.
When we can remember vividly a person from your childhood and it makes us smile, they must have had a positive influence in our life. My deepest sympathy goes out to the Buffo family and take solace in knowing that many generations still carry those memories.
I was so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. I saw him at the NCHS all-school reunion just this past June, and will cherish the picture of the 5 members of the class of 1953 who were there. My deepest sympathy to the family.
JoAnn and family, I was so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing. Julie told us he was very sick when we were together on Friday at Gianni’s ballgame. Pete was always so kind to my children. He was a big influence on baseball in Weirton. I will miss his mischevious smile whenever we saw him out. God bless you all David and Jackie Nixon
To the Buffo Family: I’m very sorry for your loss and you have my deepest sympathy. Pete was all about the kids for American Legion Post 10 baseball with his leadership and unselfishness. He will surely be missed. May God Bless..
To the Buffo family, I was very sad to hear the news. I know that he was more in his lifetime than just the Weirton Baseball Association….but whenever I think of “the ballfields” I will remember him. Pete was in many of my dad’s stories about the good old days at the baseball fields. He will be missed.
Joe, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I remember meeting him at some of your house parties. He was such a nice man. Please give my condolences to your mother, brother and sister Gina. I know he will be missed. God bless and keep you all in His care.
Mrs. Buffo and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you Coach for everything you did. I’ll never forget you
JoAnne,I remember the good times we had, when Pete helped me with Sacred Heart basketball. He was the greatest. May God be with you in your time of need. Love you all and miss you. We had a great lunch when I was back for vacation.
Mrs. Buffo and Family, I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Buffo, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have lit some candles for him at the grotto on game day, and will continue to do so. The last one I lit was just a couple of days ago.
Mrs. Buffo, John, Gina and Joey – I’m very sorry to hear of Mr. Buffo’s passing. Know that you and are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs Buffo, Johnny, Gina, and Joey- I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Buffo’s passing. He was truly one of the “good guys”. It still makes me smile when I remember him at Lu’s wedding-he had just taken Communion and was walking away from the altar when he caught Lu’s eye-I saw him playfully tap his watch and smile as if to tell her “let’s move this along-Notre Dame is playing!!”. I know that God will reward all of the time and talent Mr. Buffo shared with others by bringing this good and faithful servant home. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Barb
Dear Buffo Family, I was sorry to read of Pete’s passing. He was such a good influence for so many children in Weirton. Always had a smile. Know he loved John, Joe and Gina. Was supportive of all their activities at Madonna. You are in my prayers. “Ms. Hudy”
JoAnn and family sorry to here about the passing of Eddie,If I can be of any service please call
Mrs. Buffo, Joey, John, Gina and the entire Buffo Family, I am sorry to hear about Mr. Buffo–I know how hard it is to lose someone close to you and my prayers are with all of you. Mr. Buffo always made me laugh… even when we got into trouble in the woods. He would yell a little, laugh and just shake his head. What a great man and I know he will be missed. Take care and remember all the great times you all have had. It is a very hard time but those wonderful memories can carry you through a lot. God Bless you all and Mr. Buffo always. With my sympathy and prayers, Rosie
Mr Buffo knew how to get the best out of us on the court. I remember him taking the team over to a college game. Prayers for the family.
My condolences to the Buffo family. To a great father, fellow Knight, and fellow Marine. Semper Fi my friend!
Thank you Coach Pete for great times and meomories. All the best to your family. Tommy Battista,1969 Baseball team.
Mr. Buffo was a very big help with my son austin when i sign him up for the young marines. Thank you for been there for him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Buffo and your family. I am sure Mr. Buffo is looking down on his wonderful family with many blessings. Take care, Julie Ann (Dotson) Bricker & Family
Dear Buffo Family, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Buffo. He was always so nice to the neighborhood kids. I remember playing in the field behind the house. May his memory be eternal.
I will always remember my days playing for Mr. Buffo. He was a great coach and a great person. We are all better people for having him in our lives.
Dear Buffo Families, May God Bless all of you at this difficult time. Our fondest memories were the best years of baseball. Everyone was like family, looking out for one another. It was more than baseball. Over the many seasons and passing years no matter where Pete was, there was always a hugh smile and always asking how everyone is. Pete and Jo Ann were so very proud of their family. They came first and were always there suporting them. What a great honor for anyone who knew him and the great legacy he leaves for all of us. With the passing of anyone, we look back and regreat many things, no matter what the circumstances. Sometimes it brings people closer. It is never to late, life is to short, It is sad it takes a death to realize many things, I guess that is a big part of growing up. May His memory be eternal. With Love and Respect, Trish Kapiris-Hatzisavas
Dad, Just wanted to let you known that i’m going to miss the talks we shared every evening, and just to let you know that I’ll miss you more than ever, I love you Dad, you molded me into the man I am today and I want to thank you. Rest in Peace Dad. Johnny