Obituary of Richard L. Buchholz
Smethport - Richard L. "Rick" Buchholz, Jr., 54, of Crosby, died Sunday (November 6, 2011) from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
He was born July 3, 1957 in Bradford, a son of Richard L. and Patricia I. Thompson Buchholz, Sr. On November 15, 1975 in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, he married Anna M. Graziano, who survives. They were married for more than 35 years.
Mr. Buchholz was a 1975 graduate of Smethport Area High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in Dec. 1974, and entered basic training in June 1975. His career included 12 years of aircraft maintenance and 20 years of base supply experience. Along the way, he had accepted opportunities to serve as unit career advisor, various positions on Process Action Teams, promotion boards and the Air Force Chief's Council. The highlight of his career includes leading members of the107th ARW on a deployment to the World Trade Center following the 2001 attacks. His people provided security at 17 checkpoints and crowd control for President Bush, Gov. George Pataki and Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Other deployments include Incirlik, Turkey, Istres, France and Mildenhall, England. Military recognition for his 32 years of service include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Outstanding Service Awards, Defense of Liberty Ribbon, NYS Humanitarian Service Award, Outstanding Volunteer Service Award and others. In 2004, while deployed to Turkey, he was promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant. His stripes were personally presented by 4-Star General John W. Handy, Commander of the U.S. Air Mobility Command. Mr. Buchholz retired from the 107th Air Refueling Wing, NYANG in April 2007. Mr. Buchholz began his civilian career as a welder-fabricator for the Air Preheater of Wellsville, NY and Dresser Manufacturing of Bradford. In 1989, he began employment with Pittsburgh Corning Corp., Port Allegany, where he was currently leading the LEAN manufacturing initiative.
He was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport; the American Legion John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, and was the President and founder of "Bruno's Bunk House". One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family, especially his four grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Christa D. Morris of Erie, PA, Patricia K. (Michael) Taylor of Smethport, PA one son: Daniel A. (Hilary) Buchholz of Greensboro, NC Grandchildren: Ava Buchholz, Eric Morris, Tristen Taylor, and Hannah Taylor. two sisters: Stephanie R. (Fred) Herzog and Linda J. (Kirk) Tronetti both of Smethport, PA two brothers: John W. (Jean) Buchholz of Smethport and Bradley S. (Denise) Buchholz of Shinglehouse several nieces, nephews, cousins, Aunts and Uncles.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Wednesday at 10 A.M. in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor, as celebrant. A Christian Wake service will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 3:30 P.M. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport. Military Honors will be accorded by members of the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby and the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport or the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, PA.
Online condolences can be left at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.