SMITHFIELD -- William R. Buzzell, 80, passed away peacefully Aug. 16, 2012, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 3, 1932, in Milo, the youngest son of Pearly and Gladys (Severance) Buzzell.Billy graduated from Milo High School, class of 1951, where he proved to be a valuable player on the high school basketball team that went on to win the state championship in 1950. His interest and enthusiasm for basketball carried over into his adult life as he became an ardent fan of the University of Connecticut's women's basketball team and most recently , the 2012 U.S. Olympics womens' basketball team.
After serving in the Air Force, he worked for 18 years at the Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Conn., as a machinist. He later moved back to Maine and became an independent truck driver who enjoyed seeing much of the United States from the seat of his trusty, but sometimes temperamental, truck, "Empty Pockets."
Bill was a very loving and caring individual who got immense pleasure out of riding his motorcycle and snowmobile with family and friends, and will always be remembered as the first to suggest that "we stop for pie and coffee." His infectious smile and wry sense of humor will remain in our hearts and memories forever.
He is survived by his sister, Iris Buzzell, of Bangor; daughters, Elaine Szewc and husband, John, of Ellington, Conn., Paula Pinherio of Windsor Locks, Conn., and Christine Buzzell of Barnard; grandchildren, Nicole Szewc, Melissa Jones and husband, Wayne, Erin Szewc, Lindsay Barrett, and Kendall Pinherio, all of the greater Hartford, Conn., and western Massachusetts area. He will also be missed by many loving friends, cousins, nieces, nephews and all their families, to whom he was very close. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Harold and Ernest; and sisters, Hope and Rachel.
Family and friends are invited to join together in a Celebration of Bill's Life on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Park Community Center on Pleasant Street in Milo. All are welcome to bring a favorite dessert, picture or story to share in Bill's memory.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Bill's memory to their favorite charity.
Final interment wishes will be completed at a later date, at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott's Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.
