Mr. Basil “Sarge” Buleza, 97, formerly of Ralph Street in the North End section of Wilkes-Barre, fell asleep in the Lord early Saturday morning in the care of the Little Flower Manor, where he and his wife recently resided.

     Born January 21, 1920 in Palmerton, he was a son to the late John and Sophie (Szupek) Buleza.  Educated in the city schools, he was a graduate of the James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre.

     Following his formal education, Mr. Buleza proudly served our country during the Second World War, Korean Conflict and the Cuban Missile Crisis with the United States Air Force.  His tours of duty began on December 29, 1939, serving continuously until the time of his Honorable Discharge on November 1, 1963.   At the time of his discharge, he earned the rank of Master Sergeant, and was awarded several prestigious awards and citations including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. He served in various roles as Chief of Maintenance, Quality Control Inspector and Flight chief at U.S. bases around the world.   Upon his Announcement of Retirement, the military stated "His standard of conduct and leadership has provided an excellent example for those who have been associated with him during his military career."

     Prior to his retirement, Mr. Buleza was employed as a supervisor of operations for the former Dana Perfume Company in Mountain Top.

     He was a lifetime member of Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre, where he remained active for many years in various church functions.  In his spare time, he was an avid golfer and served on the Board of Directors for the Hollenback Golf Course, North Wilkes-Barre.  He played baseball while in the service and was a member of several championship teams.  He dedicated many hours of his time volunteering at the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Administration Medical Center Pharmacy Department.

     He and his wife, the former Margaret Mary Kozich, would have celebrated 67 years of married life together this December 30th.

     He was preceded in death by brothers John, Richard and most recently by George Buleza and by a sisters, Margaret Lutz and Mary Gera.

     Left to mourn his passing in addition to his beloved wife Margaret Mary, are the couple's daughter, Mrs. Bonnie M. Gaidry and her husband James of Fairfax. Virginia; Three step-granddaughters, Lt. Lauren Gaidry Spaziano (USN), Lt. Alicia Gaidry, MD (USN) and Anne-Marie Gaidry;  Sisters-in-law; Dorie Kozick, Grace Kozich and Josephine Kozich all of Wilkes-Barre and Sandy Buleza of Belvidere, N.J.; Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, fellow parishioners and golfing friends.

     Funeral services with Panachida will be conducted on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. from the North Wilkes-Barre location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 625 North Main Street, followed by the Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Assumption of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 695 North Main Street. 

     The Reverend Father Michael Kerestes pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist.

     Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in the parish cemetery, Lake Street, Dallas where military honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force in his honor.

     Basil’s family would gratefully like to acknowledge Dr. Janusz Wolanin and the staff of Little Flower Manor for the compassionate care he received over the years.

     Relatives and friends may join Mrs. Buleza and her family for visitation and remembrances Tuesday morning  from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

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