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Donald Buchta

Donald Buchta, 80, passed away peacefully in his home on May 23. Born in Guilford on Oct. 26, 1942, Donald was the son of the late Ann (Link) Buchta and August Buchta. He is predeceased by an older brother, Kenneth.

Donald lived his entire life in Guilford (and rarely ever left town). He was a class officer and graduating member of the Guilford High School Class of 1960. Following high school, Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and served for a number of years. At the same time, he earned his associate’s degree from New Haven College.

Donald met his wife, Patricia (Dufresne), during the early 1960s, when Patty’s family would spend summers at the Guilford shore. They were married on Oct. 2, 1965, and remained so for 57 years until Donald’s passing. They lived in the same home in Guilford Center for their entire married life, where they raised four children.

In addition to his wife, Donald is survived by all of his children: Lisa Buchta of Branford, Tracy Kluessendorf (Randal) of Middletown, Donald Buchta Jr. (Irene) of Vancouver, Washington, and Bradford Buchta (Meghan Gallagher) of Bethany. He is also survived by grandchildren: Meghan Blanusa, Nathaniel Blanusa, and Mackenzie Blanusa; and their father David Blanusa; Emily Buchta; Rory Buchta and Nora Buchta; and many nieces and nephews.

Donald was the owner/operator of Buchta Oil Service, a business his father started more than 60 years ago. As a young man, Donald worked alongside his father and brother, first selling ice and, eventually, fuel oil as times changed. Donald became a skilled oil burner technician, and he worked in the fuel and heating business his entire adult life. After his father’s passing in 1987, Donald would continue running the business for the next 35 years, and he remained involved up until his death. Donald took great pride in his work, the service he provided to his customers, and the small group of dedicated and loyal friends who worked alongside him for decades.

While Donald devoted most of his adult life to family and work, he was also a past member of the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, Eagle Hose Company No. 2, for many years.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint George’s Church, 33 Whitfield Street, in Guilford, on May 31. Burial followed in Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston Street, Guilford. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department, 390 Church Street, Guilford, www.guilfordfire.com or Guilford Foundation, PO Box 35, Guilford, CT 06437. www.guilfordfoundation.org. Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.