Benjamin Joseph Buffa Sr.
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Benjamin Joseph Buffa, Sr. was born October 10, 1962 to Manuel and Mary Louise Buffa. The youngest in a family of six children (he has three brothers and two sisters), he was the ‘bonus’ child, being born nine years after the closest sibling. Family was extremely important to Ben. He was an uncle at a very early age and relished that role. When he became a father, he became a dad. The gentle, kind, teaching, solid, steadfast type of dad. His children could always count on him, his children’s friends could always count on him. He was the same as a husband: loving, trustworthy, honest, kind and steadfast. There was an innocence in Ben that rarely let him see the darker side of life or the darker side of people. He did see the best. He was incredibly intelligent and very analytical. He was also funny, with a sense of humor that could catch you off guard. He said it was his job to make his wife laugh at least once a day and he always beat that by many times!
Ben waits in heaven for his wife, three children and grandchild, his five beloved siblings and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He also ran ahead in the journey of very close friends who will miss him. There will be a Celebration of Life on May 30, 2022 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Park Hill Christian Church in Kansas City, Missouri.
Ben went to Southwood Elementary, Raytown South Middle School and Tri-City Christian High School. He had degrees in Electronics and HVAC. Ben worked as an auto cad and security systems designer for most of his career. He even started an HVAC business with a friend. His last position was with Midwest Alarm Services in Lenexa, Kansas. He was an avid amateur photographer, as well. He had an absolute passion for gardening and outdoor work.
Ben loved the Lord and His Word. He attended Kansas City Baptist Temple/Graceway for the better part of 45 years, only recently moving to Midtown Baptist Temple to attend with his family. He had many friends from his years in church and he cherished every one.
Rajean and Ben were married the first time on July 28, 1984 and subsequently, divorced in 1998. They remained best friends during those years and Ben was ever steadfast, forgiving, loving and caring. After many years of maturing and healing, they reconciled and remarried May 30, 2014…to no one’s real surprise! The last seven plus years have been ones of redeeming the time and relishing the warmth and security of each other’s love.
Until about age 6, Ben was known as Benny. He adored his older brother and wanted to follow him everywhere. Michael would get together with his friends and not want his little brother tagging along. “Benny, go home” he would say. It would take several times before the little guy would listen. In January the whole household contracted covid. On January 5, Ben started exhibiting symptoms, on the 18th he was admitted to the hospital after a relapse. On the 23rd, he was put on a vent and on February 17th, Benny went home.
They say that if you have one ‘best friend in your life you are lucky. You know…the kind you might not see for years and then when you do it’s like no time has past. I was lucky enough to have two…Ben being one of them. I’ve known him for over 45 years. I will be looking for you so you can show me around when it’s my turn to see the promised land. I love you my friend. See you soon.
I’ve known Ben since we were kids, he was my big brother’s best friend. I have many sweet memories of a very special person spanning the years. My heart aches for all who knew and loved Ben, for the loss of such a good man. My prayers are for peace and comfort and strength as we mourn the loss of husband, father, grandfather, sibling, uncle and friend and my hope for us all remains steadfast on the bedrock of God’s promises… Jeremiah 29:11 and especially John 3;16.
I only knew Ben as a high school student during his teen years at Tri-City Christian School. You might think teachers aren’t supposed to have favorite students, but they do resonate with some kids more than others, and I considered Ben one of my favorites. I remember him as being kind, thoughtful, and very funny (he made me laugh a LOT), but always respectful and a great leadership example to his classmates. I actually remember the day I nominated him for student of the month in faculty meeting. The other teachers agreed that he was a great candidate. I never saw Ben after his high school years, but I’m sure he was a wonderful father and husband who will be greatly missed until being reunited in Heaven with his many friends and loved ones.
Miss Rajean, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
I only knew Ben for the last almost three years from work.
Ben would always catch me getting my coffee and always have a funny joke for me.
I will miss him, but heaven has a great, good angel among them.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace.
I knew Ben due to the chapter of my Life I spent with Rajean, his sons and daughter, and childhood friends David, Aj, and Mike. He was quiet and let us kids do what we do for fun. We talked here and there when he dropped by Rajean’s house when I was staying there during High school. He was always smiling. and telling his oldest son some wise words! It hurts even for a moment those you knew and knew you for little time… are no longer with us. Condolences.
At the age of 3 going on 4, my family moved to Raytown. Shortly thereafter I was blessed to meet Ben. We quickly became fast friends and did everything together growing up. Ben and I have known each other for nearly 55 years. To say he is a dear friend just falls short. He is kind, loving, sensitive, incredibly intelligent, logical, and the best friend anyone could ask for. As I said, I am very blessed to have met him, more so to have him as my friend all these years. While I will certainly miss him terribly during my stay on this planet, I look forward to seeing him again when my time comes to join him in the presence of our Lord, Jesus. My condolences go out to Ben’s immediate and extended families and friends.
I remember Ben from Wornall and Ted Systems. Great man, will be missed by many. God speed old friend.