Jay Warren Buhler, 71, of Grampian peacefully went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at his residence.
Born Jan. 27, 1946, in Altoona, he was a son of Edward Daniel and Bertha Rae (Treese) Buhler.
On April 13, 1968 in Erie, he wed the former Sandra L. Goll, who survives along with three children, Lisa Gedris and her husband, David of Pittsburgh, Matt Buhler and his wife, Jessica of DuBois and Ben Buhler and his partner, Danielle Dimichelo of Raleigh, NC.
Also surviving are three grandchildren, MacKenzie, Gavin and Lily, as well as his brother- and sister-in-law, Paul and Elizabeth Goll, and a sister-in-law, Betty Buhler.
In addition to his family, he is survived by his other “kids,” the many former students who will always remember him as “Mr. Buhler.” He was a beloved music teacher with the Curwensville Area School District for more than 27 years before retiring in 1999.
Mr. Buhler was an influence and an inspiration to those who studied with him, were encouraged by him and who knew him as equally prepared to lovingly give hugs or kicks in the pants, as circumstances indicated.
He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As well as teaching music to students and adults for more than 40 years, he was an accomplished musician who frequently shared both his vocal and instrumental talents.
He found particular joy in leading the Grampian Band for more than 15 years, and by fostering in others an appreciation for his favorite song, “MacArthur Park.” To scores of musicians, he was fondly known as “the Leader of the Band.”
He was a member of Noble Lodge No. 480 F. & A.M., for which he twice proudly served as Master, and of the Curwensville Presbyterian Church, where he carried out duties as a deacon and sang in the choir.
A U.S. Naval veteran serving in several field bands, he was affiliated with local, state and national education associations and held memberships with MENC, the National Association for Music Education and the Theta Xi Fraternity. Locally, he conducted the (Clearfield) Choral Society and was involved with the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre.
In 2015, he was honored with the title of Grampian Citizen of the Year, and he was named a Progressland’s Person of the Week in 2016.
During his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking, golf, 3D archery tournaments, model trains, fishing, hunting, skiing and grilling in his back yard.
He was a lover of the Harry Potter books, and he had a great fondness for Labrador retrievers.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Edward Ray Buhler.
At Mr. Buhler’s request, there will be no public visitation.
A public “Celebration of Life” Service is planned for May 28 at Irvin Park on Susquehanna Avenue in Curwensville with the Rev. Gary B. Jewart officiating.
A Masonic Memorial Services will be conducted by members of the Noble Lodge No. 480 F.&A.M., Curwensville, starting at 1:30 p.m. with military honors and the Celebration of Life Service starting immediately after. All of Mr. Buhler’s family, friends and acquaintances are invited to attend and bring a lawn chair
In case of inclement weather, the services will be moved to the auditorium of the Curwensville Area High School.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Jay Buhler/Harriet Carfley Music Scholarship Fund, in care of the Curwensville Music Boosters Association, Attn: Mrs. Cindy Penvose, 650 Beech St., Curwensville, PA, 16833.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.