In Memoriam: Jeff Buss, Salisbury High Grad

When Jeff Buss, 64, of Catasauqua died suddenly of a heart attack on March 4, the world lost a true Renaissance man. Artist, scientist, amateur astronomer, naturalist, beekeeper and skydiver, Jeff was considered a creative genius by those who knew him. 

Jeff was a member of the first graduating class from in 1965. He was described as a mad scientist in his yearbook. Jeff studied electrical engineering at Indiana University until he was drafted in 1968. Jeff served in the 101st Airborne Division from 1968-1969 in Vietnam, where he was wounded and earned a Purple Heart for his service.

Jeff started skydiving after he returned from Vietnam and became an instructor. He was a member of the and jumped into the J. Birney Crum stadium bearing the American flag every July 4 for the last 33 years.

With a head of curly, gray hair and an impish grin, Jeff was often recognized in Allentown. Strangers would often stop him on the street and say, "Hey, I know you! You're that skydiver who jumps into the stadium on July 4th!"

Jeff was an inventor. Among his creations: he handcrafted a beautiful Dobsonian telescope with an 18-inch reflecting mirror that was of museum quality; he built a large window in his room made of prism rods that reflected rainbows on the walls when the sun hit it; he had a Tesla coil that will be donated to the Da Vinci Science Center; he built musical instruments, including beautiful windchimes perfectly tuned to blue chords; he made a theremin, an electronic musical instrument controlled without discernible physical contact from the player, after watching a program about its inventor, Leon Theremin.

Jeff was an avid beekeeper and made hand-dipped beeswax candles that won first place in the Pennsylvania Farm Show several years ago. He'd carry a bag of candles with him around Christmas time and hand them out to people who looked like they needed a touch of kindness.

He counted rocketry among his many and varied interests (and wore a shirt that said, "As a matter of fact, I am a rocket scientist!"). He was a field service engineer at Medical Data Information Services in Horsham. He was a level II thermographer and worked on equipment related to nuclear medicine, such as gamma cameras.

Jeff never married but shared his life with his longtime soulmate, Cheryl Coruzzi. He doted on his "children," his beloved cockatoos, Peaches and Snowy. He loved and respected nature and all creatures. He had a tender heart towards children and the elderly.

Jeff had a sweet, childlike spirit and a wild sense of humor. He was a wonderful human being who passed on his enthusiasm and knowledge to many people. He will be sadly missed.

A memorial service will be held in Jeff's honor from 2:30 p.m.-4:40 p.m. Saturday, March 31 at Calvary Temple, 3436 Winchester Road in South Whitehall.