Samuel John 'Buzz' Irvine III
Samuel John “Buzz” Irvine III passed away peacefully Friday afternoon surrounded by his family.
Born on March 9, 1933, Buzz was raised in Evans City, and most recently split his time between Butler, Bluffton, S.C., and Key Largo, Fla.
He was the third generation leader of NexTier Bank, formerly Citizens National Bank, retiring as chairman of the board in 2011 after 52 years.
Before joining the bank, Buzz enjoyed a successful football career. He was a standout player at University of Maryland, where he was co-captain of the 1953 National Championship team. Afterward, he played professionally for the Chicago Cardinals and eventually joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Canada.
Buzz was both an industry and community leader. He was the first president of the Community Bankers of Pennsylvania, now PA Association of Community Bankers, when it was formed in 1972 and served on many boards, including the Butler Country Club, the Rotary Club, the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and the Evans City Historical Society.
Buzz and his family donated the building that now houses the Evans City Library. He also served on the board of Oberg Industries for more than 50 years. Buzz was proudly inducted into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame in 1988.
Buzz was an extremely adventurous man who loved spending time on his boat with family and friends, as well as snowmobiling anywhere he could find snow. Golfing was more than a passion for Buzz, as he pursued his goal of playing the top 100 courses in the world. One of his most cherished pastimes was playing gin every morning to start the day with his best friend and wife, Lois.
Buzz is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lois Cooley Irvine, as well as his four children, SJ (Charro) Irvine IV, William B. (Deborah) Irvine, Margaret Irvine Weir and Laura Irvine (Donald) Scheeler. He was also loved by his stepchildren, Beth Hugh, Phillip (Brigid) Hugh and Christopher (Tammy) Hugh. He also leaves behind his 11 grandchildren and his two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Livingston Irvine, and his stepson, Jeffrey (Lori) Hugh.
Having to proceed without his current toy collection, Buzz was also preceded in death by a hovercraft and a few snowmobiles.
His friends described Buzz as a gentle giant and a larger-than-life hero who was blessed with a mind and imagination beyond the perimeters of the norm.
A shared favorite comment among those who were close reads: “If we were to live life as fully as he did, we would have a ton of catching up to do.”
Buzz excelled in sports, his career and the allotted playtime. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all and will be deeply missed, but forever honored.Irvine — A celebration of life service for John “Buzz” Irvine III, who passed away Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Butler Country Club. Services will also be in Bluffton, S.C., and Key Largo, Fla., soon.Arrangements are by the Sauls Funeral Home, Bluffton, S.C.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Buzz Irvine's name to the University of Maryland Terrapin Club Scholarship Fund. Online gifts can be accessed at www.terrapinclub.com, or checks can be mailed to 2740 XFINITY Center, College Park, MD 20742.
