Robert G. Buus, 87, of Holmdel, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 18. Robert, who was known to all as Bob, was born in Crookston, MN in 1937 to the late Doris and George Buus. After graduating from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he moved to Plainfield, NJ …
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Robert G. Buus, 87, of Holmdel, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 18.
Robert, who was known to all as Bob, was born in Crookston, MN in 1937 to the late Doris and George Buus. After graduating from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he moved to Plainfield, NJ and began working for Bell Laboratories. Bob completed a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from New York University while working at Bell Labs, and he and his wife began their family in Plainfield. In 1966 Bob and his wife built a home within walking distance of the Bell Labs facility in Holmdel, NJ, where he worked for the rest of his professional career before retiring in 1989.
Bob was a lifelong ham radio operator, first earning his license in 1950. He was a Section Manager for the American Radio Relay League and held numerous roles with the Garden State Amateur Radio Association. He volunteered actively at St. Catharine’s Church, where he was a Trustee, and enjoyed the Fitness Trail at Holmdel Park, only giving up doing pull-ups at age 86 after being admonished by his doctor. Bob walked at least two miles a day until being sidelined by illness last month. He always had time for his children and grandchildren.
Bob is predeceased by his loving wife Janice Marie Buus, and his sisters Shirley Rohloff and Lois Moe.
Surviving are his children Colleen (William) Cranney of Exton, PA, Richard Buus of Fishers, IN, and Karen (Joseph) Poch of New Egypt, and his 6 beloved grandchildren: Ryan Poch, Julie Cranney, Kevin Cranney, Alex Poch, Kaitlyn Poch, and Isabel Buus.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, February 21 from 3pm – 7pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 22 at 10:30am at the Church of St. Catharine, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. Interment will follow at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery and Mausoleum, Marlboro.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, Bob’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his name be made to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org)
For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Bob, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com.
David Mansy
left a message on March 18, 2025:
Since I retired a few years ago, I sometimes go to Holmdel Park to walk. Every time I pass Donner Street I think of Bob, so today I googled his name to see if he still lived there and was sad to discover that he had just passed away. He is the reason I moved to NJ back in 1980. I interviewed for a job at Bell Labs and he hired me. I still remember the day of the interview when he met me at the hotel for breakfast, then showed me the "scenic route" to the Holmdel building driving past rolling hills with farms and horses. He was a wonderful supervisor and mentor, starting me off on a long and happy career in engineering. We lost touch over the years but I remember his big smile and kind heart, and I send my condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Jim Brogan
left a message on February 25, 2025:
So sorry to hear about Bob's passing away. Bob and I both shared two things in common. We both worked for Bell Lab's a long time ago and were amateur radio operators. Bob's call was W2OD (Wishing to Overcome Distance) was the phonetics he used. Got to see and talk to Bob about a year ago at a Cherryville Hamfest about a year ago. He will be greatly missed by many radio operators. May God Bless you Bob. You will be greatly missed!
Jim, W2UM
Martinsville, NJ
Sharon Chuh
left a message on February 23, 2025:
Wishing you comfort and peace at this difficult time,
Sharon and Tom
Marie Rogers
left a message on February 22, 2025:
I am really going to miss seeing your smiling face at mass., especially saying the rosary together. I will always turn around and see your smiling face in the corner of the chapel. Your faith has given me incredible strength during times of need. Your kindness has helped me to be a better Christian. The world was a better place with you in it. Now it is your time to rejoice with Jesus as you see the face of God. Thank you for everything Bob. You will be sorely missed.
Fran Gizzi
left a message on February 21, 2025:
Dear Family
I knew your Dad for many years at St. Catharine's in Holmdel. The one thing that stands out for me is that he was always smiling and exceptionally kind. He was a constant, faithful presence at the 9 AM daily Mass and his presence will be missed by those of us who knew him. Surely, the Gates of Heaven have swung open widely to let him in. May God's loving arms caress you all during this time of loss. Fran Gizzi
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kathy McBurnie
left a message on February 21, 2025:
I remember Bob for his warm personality; he always had a kind word and a smile for me. I was blessed to know him through his activities at St. Catharine’s Church.
May your family be comforted by memories of Bob’s well lived, faithful life. You are in my prayers.
Mark Hinkel
left a message on February 20, 2025:
I bumped into Bob at last year's Cherryville Hamfest (March 2024). We talked for a while about radio and the clubs. A very congenial gentleman. Ham radio needs more people like Bob. Thank you for the chat.
Mark WA3QVU (Penn Wireless Association past president)
Carol Beckenstein
left a message on February 20, 2025:
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Buus. I would see him walking down Flora Drive almost daily (at a very quick pace.) I would have never guessed his age. I didn't know him well but he was a friendly and a gentleman. He may have been this neighborhood's last "original owner." My condolences to all who loved him.
Jack Curtis
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Colleen, and Family,
So Sorry for your Loss, your Dad sounded like a really Good Guy. You are in my Thoughts and Prayers. God Bless
Jack
Jack Stauffer
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Bob was in my group when I joined Bell Labs back in 1962. He was one of several guys who helped me get my career started, and I was always impressed with his practical insights he could bring to solve a problem. (Including the famous “belly band” capacitor used in the SF repeater) Bob was promoted shortly thereafter, and I lost touch for many years, but recently he joined our weekly discussion group, and he was still the warm friendly person I remembered.
Richard Lee
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Farwell Bob, always the professional gentleman!
Richard Lee KD2ZQV NJARC
James Carlin
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Bob and Janice were two of our closest friends and neighbors in Holmdel for over 40 years. He was an Engineers Engineer and had a vast array of telecommunications equipment in his basement. I remember the first time he took me down there looking for something I could use and he showed me the two exponential acoustic horn speakers with man sized apertures he had constructed along perpendicular walls in his basement and sat me down between the apertures to listen to his stereo Wow! My condolences to Colleen, Rich, Karen and family. RIP Bob. Jim Carlin
Chuck Roswell, K2MGL
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Bob, W2OD a mentor and encourager to many a budding radio amateur. I always appreciated his spirit. W2OD de K2MGL. A Silent Key, Muted Mike and a Locked Keyboard. He is missed. -30-
Rabbi Cy Stanway
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Bob was the first person to greet me at the GSARA when I first came it to do my tests. He was always warm, welcoming and the go-to person for so many of us who needed some technical help. And, of course, anyone who checked into the Tuesday Net for the past decade or more was always greeted by Bob. Indeed, there are so many stories of Bob from the Garden State Amateur Radio Association so I can only imagine how many stories there are from his church community and especially his family. Ironically, the day of his funeral is the GSARA's annual Ham of the Year Award. Once again, Bob's presence and absence will be felt by the club. He will be deeply missed by so many. May his soul be bound up in the bonds of life.
W2OD (SK) de K2CYS
Larry Bailey
left a message on February 20, 2025:
WB2CIF Larry Bailey. 73 Bob.
Steve St. Marie
left a message on February 20, 2025:
RIP, Uncle Bob! I always enjoyed talking with you when you visited Minnesota. I remember how your love of Ham radios helped inspire my love of all things technical. My sympathies to Rich, Colleen and Karen.
Payton Magnotta
left a message on February 19, 2025:
In memory of Robert G. Buus, Payton Magnotta lit a candle
Marlo Montanaro
left a message on February 19, 2025:
The wonderful thing about amateur radio is that we know every time we get on the air, Bob will be listening. You will be sorely missed and there is a huge void where you once were. We can only fill it with your energy and optimism. 73 my friend... W2OD DE KA2IRQ SK
Katie Poch
left a message on February 19, 2025:
To the best grandpa and the strongest man I know. I love you so much.
John King
left a message on February 19, 2025:
Bob W2OD (SK)
A GREAT FORCE HAS GONE OUT FROM THE SPIRIT OF THE GARDEN STATE AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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David Mansy
left a message on March 18, 2025:
Since I retired a few years ago, I sometimes go to Holmdel Park to walk. Every time I pass Donner Street I think of Bob, so today I googled his name to see if he still lived there and was sad to discover that he had just passed away. He is the reason I moved to NJ back in 1980. I interviewed for a job at Bell Labs and he hired me. I still remember the day of the interview when he met me at the hotel for breakfast, then showed me the "scenic route" to the Holmdel building driving past rolling hills with farms and horses. He was a wonderful supervisor and mentor, starting me off on a long and happy career in engineering. We lost touch over the years but I remember his big smile and kind heart, and I send my condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Jim Brogan
left a message on February 25, 2025:
So sorry to hear about Bob's passing away. Bob and I both shared two things in common. We both worked for Bell Lab's a long time ago and were amateur radio operators. Bob's call was W2OD (Wishing to Overcome Distance) was the phonetics he used. Got to see and talk to Bob about a year ago at a Cherryville Hamfest about a year ago. He will be greatly missed by many radio operators. May God Bless you Bob. You will be greatly missed!
Jim, W2UM
Martinsville, NJ
Sharon Chuh
left a message on February 23, 2025:
Wishing you comfort and peace at this difficult time,
Sharon and Tom
Marie Rogers
left a message on February 22, 2025:
I am really going to miss seeing your smiling face at mass., especially saying the rosary together. I will always turn around and see your smiling face in the corner of the chapel. Your faith has given me incredible strength during times of need. Your kindness has helped me to be a better Christian. The world was a better place with you in it. Now it is your time to rejoice with Jesus as you see the face of God. Thank you for everything Bob. You will be sorely missed.
Fran Gizzi
left a message on February 21, 2025:
Dear Family
I knew your Dad for many years at St. Catharine's in Holmdel. The one thing that stands out for me is that he was always smiling and exceptionally kind. He was a constant, faithful presence at the 9 AM daily Mass and his presence will be missed by those of us who knew him. Surely, the Gates of Heaven have swung open widely to let him in. May God's loving arms caress you all during this time of loss. Fran Gizzi
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Kathy McBurnie
left a message on February 21, 2025:
I remember Bob for his warm personality; he always had a kind word and a smile for me. I was blessed to know him through his activities at St. Catharine’s Church.
May your family be comforted by memories of Bob’s well lived, faithful life. You are in my prayers.
Mark Hinkel
left a message on February 20, 2025:
I bumped into Bob at last year's Cherryville Hamfest (March 2024). We talked for a while about radio and the clubs. A very congenial gentleman. Ham radio needs more people like Bob. Thank you for the chat.
Mark WA3QVU (Penn Wireless Association past president)
Carol Beckenstein
left a message on February 20, 2025:
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Buus. I would see him walking down Flora Drive almost daily (at a very quick pace.) I would have never guessed his age. I didn't know him well but he was a friendly and a gentleman. He may have been this neighborhood's last "original owner." My condolences to all who loved him.
Jack Curtis
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Colleen, and Family,
So Sorry for your Loss, your Dad sounded like a really Good Guy. You are in my Thoughts and Prayers. God Bless
Jack
Jack Stauffer
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Bob was in my group when I joined Bell Labs back in 1962. He was one of several guys who helped me get my career started, and I was always impressed with his practical insights he could bring to solve a problem. (Including the famous “belly band” capacitor used in the SF repeater) Bob was promoted shortly thereafter, and I lost touch for many years, but recently he joined our weekly discussion group, and he was still the warm friendly person I remembered.
Richard Lee
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Farwell Bob, always the professional gentleman!
Richard Lee KD2ZQV NJARC
James Carlin
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Bob and Janice were two of our closest friends and neighbors in Holmdel for over 40 years. He was an Engineers Engineer and had a vast array of telecommunications equipment in his basement. I remember the first time he took me down there looking for something I could use and he showed me the two exponential acoustic horn speakers with man sized apertures he had constructed along perpendicular walls in his basement and sat me down between the apertures to listen to his stereo Wow! My condolences to Colleen, Rich, Karen and family. RIP Bob. Jim Carlin
Chuck Roswell, K2MGL
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Bob, W2OD a mentor and encourager to many a budding radio amateur. I always appreciated his spirit. W2OD de K2MGL. A Silent Key, Muted Mike and a Locked Keyboard. He is missed. -30-
Rabbi Cy Stanway
left a message on February 20, 2025:
Bob was the first person to greet me at the GSARA when I first came it to do my tests. He was always warm, welcoming and the go-to person for so many of us who needed some technical help. And, of course, anyone who checked into the Tuesday Net for the past decade or more was always greeted by Bob. Indeed, there are so many stories of Bob from the Garden State Amateur Radio Association so I can only imagine how many stories there are from his church community and especially his family. Ironically, the day of his funeral is the GSARA's annual Ham of the Year Award. Once again, Bob's presence and absence will be felt by the club. He will be deeply missed by so many. May his soul be bound up in the bonds of life.
W2OD (SK) de K2CYS
Larry Bailey
left a message on February 20, 2025:
WB2CIF Larry Bailey. 73 Bob.
Steve St. Marie
left a message on February 20, 2025:
RIP, Uncle Bob! I always enjoyed talking with you when you visited Minnesota. I remember how your love of Ham radios helped inspire my love of all things technical. My sympathies to Rich, Colleen and Karen.
Payton Magnotta
left a message on February 19, 2025:
In memory of Robert G. Buus, Payton Magnotta lit a candle
Marlo Montanaro
left a message on February 19, 2025:
The wonderful thing about amateur radio is that we know every time we get on the air, Bob will be listening. You will be sorely missed and there is a huge void where you once were. We can only fill it with your energy and optimism. 73 my friend... W2OD DE KA2IRQ SK
Katie Poch
left a message on February 19, 2025:
To the best grandpa and the strongest man I know. I love you so much.
John King
left a message on February 19, 2025:
Bob W2OD (SK)
A GREAT FORCE HAS GONE OUT FROM THE SPIRIT OF THE GARDEN STATE AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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