Albert "Big Al" Buse

Albert "Big Al" Buse, born on December 12, 1946, in Ossining, New York to Cecil and Alda Buse, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital from a heart attack. Al was 77 years old.

Al is survived by Barbara Buse, his daughters, Rebecca Taylor and Casie Timmons, and his sister, Anne Buse. He was a proud grandfather to Isabella Krumm, Elijah Timmons, Natalie Prince-Buse, and Sophia Taylor, and a loving uncle to his nephew, Chandler Buse.

Al grew up in Ossining until the age of 10, when his family moved to Lewis, New York. He graduated from high school and was drafted into the Army in December 1965. Al served his country with honor as a moto pool clerk during his deployment to Vietnam in August 1966, returning to the United States in February 1969.

Shortly after his return, Al met and married Barbara Buse in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He earned a degree from Canton College and began his career in the food service industry, starting as a Dining Hall Manager at the University of Delaware. Over the years, Al worked with his parents at their restaurant, joined Frito Lay, and eventually ran his own successful catering business until his retirement.

After retiring, Al moved to Delaware and enjoyed traveling the country in his camper, visiting family and friends along the way. In 2021, Al suffered an accident and, due to complications from Agent Orange exposure during his service in Vietnam, lost his leg. He then resided with his daughter Casie in Vernon, Connecticut.

Al will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his dedication to his family, and his unwavering spirit. His love for food, history, reading and bringing people together will be cherished memories for all who knew him.

A celebration of Al's life will be held in his honor, at Luddy-Peterson Funeral Home and Crematory located at 205 South Main Street in New Britain, CT from 4 to 6 on Friday, August 2, 2024. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the State Veterans Cemetery at 317 Bow Lane Middletown, CT on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 2pm. 

Rest in peace, Big Al. You will be dearly missed.