John "Buzz" Joseph Buscavage Jr

John “Buzz” Joseph Buscavage Jr, age 90, of Harrisburg, died on Monday, December 25, 2023.  Buzz was born on Saturday, December 31, 1932, in Shenandoah to the late John Joseph Buscavage Sr and Susan (Campbell) Buscavage.  In addition to his parents, Buzz is preceded in death by his wife, Irene Buscavage; his brother, Michael Buscavage; and his beloved feline companion, D.C.

Buzz is survived by his friend and caregiver, Angel Lynn Logan.

Buzz graduated from the J.W. Cooper High School in June of 1950.  He worked for the F.W. Woolworth Company from September 1950 until March 1953.  Buzz was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1953, and attended Engineering Supply Specialist School.  He served in the U.S. Army Engineering Corps as an assistant Company Clerk in September 1953, and as a Supply “Sergeant” from January 1954 until January 1955 in Korea.  Buzz received the Good Conduct, Korean Service, and National Defense Service Medals.

Buzz attended Penn State University starting in September 1955 and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked for the State of Pennsylvania’s Department of Mines in the Bureau of “Coal Research” as an Engineer in Pollution Abatement from Abandoned Mining in all 37 coal counties.  This bureau was in charge of Engineering for a $250 million program under the Land and Water Conservation Bond Issue.  Projects under this program were identified by large signs saying “Operation Scarlift”.  Unfortunately, this program was decimated by the creation of the Department of Environmental Resources.

Buzz was a Director and Co-Director of $20 million dollars of research grants.  The sum exceeded all research by other states in the country.  Included was a $1.5 million grant for a pilot plant grant to Penn State University.  The site was selected with Joseph Saliunas.  Buzz also selected the site for, and was Project Engineer for, the first fully automatic mine drainage treatment plant built in the world.  The plant is located at the headwaters of Rausch Creek.  This plant removed the mine drainage pollution from what is today a trout stocked stream.  Prior to retirement, the U.S. Government offered to send John to China as an expert in solving problems related to coal mining for six months with all expenses and salary paid by the U.S. Government.  Unfortunately, family illness prohibited him from accepting the offer.

All are welcome to join Buzz’s loved ones at his viewing on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until time of reception at 11:30 a.m. at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.   Friends and family are invited for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation), immediately following the viewing.  A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Boulevard, Harrisburg, PA 17112; with Reverend Damon Tritle officiating.  All are also welcome to attend Buzz’s graveside service with military honors on Thursday, January 11, 2024, gathering at 8:45 a.m. with service at 9:00 a.m. in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.

Buzz’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Buzz’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.