TAPS: Richard “Dick” Albert Buzzeli, 84, of Leesburg Virginia died of natural causes on 3 November 2020

"Dick" Buzzeli worked at NAVSTIC (Navy Scientific and Technical Intelligence Center) starting in the late 1960's. He was a Soviet Navy communications capacities analyst. In the 1980s he was a key member of the damage assessment team stood up under then DNI Admiral Bill Studeman to assess the impact of the Walker-Whitworth spy rings. At the end of his career, Dick worked closely with Denny Harmon at ONI. Dick was an exceptional analyst and a key leader within ONI on efforts of vital, national importance. His work can only be described as foundational for what today is called Cyber Warfare.  

Rest in peace shipmate and thanks for a job exceptionally well done!

Born on September 17, 1936 in Blairsville, Pennsylvania, he was a proud byproduct of a small western Pennsylvania town, routed in a strong work ethic and surrounded by a large extended family. Dick graduated from Blairsville High School in 1954 and attended VMI, ultimately graduating from IUP and later receiving his master’s degree from Villanova University. He started his career as a teacher and football coach in Western Pennsylvania. Dick married Marge (DeLuca) in the summer of 1960. In 1969 they moved to northern Virginia where he started a long-lived and successful career at the Office of Naval Intelligence. He retired after serving 27 years. 

He would often argue that retirement was busier than working as he became the official cheerleader, babysitter and traveling cook for the family. He affectionately watched his family grow and was the joyful catalyst that brought them together for the holidays and his many beloved beach trips to Kiawah Island, SC. His legacy was instilling an overwhelming importance in the cohesiveness of the family, which will undoubtedly be carried on for many generations. As he entered the later chapters of life with a smile on his face, he knew he was a blessed man and that his blessings came from the Lord. That faith is living out on the other side of eternity as he is now joyfully being embraced by those who went before him. He fell in love with hunting at an early age and could still be found doing the same the Saturday before he passed. Dick had a great passion for good food that he inherited from his mother. He often said, “Sitting at the table isn’t about the food, it’s about the people.” All who knew him and experienced his cooking would agree his hospitality was overflowing and his dinner table always welcomed you. We smile knowing he is now experiencing a heavenly feast that is hard to imagine. We look forward to sharing in that meal with him someday.

Dick was preceded in death by parents Albert and Perina Buzzelli, brother Jim and infant brother Greg.   Survived by his wife of 60 years Marge (DeLuca) Buzzelli and sons, Paul (Kelly) Buzzelli, Matt (Tara) Buzzelli and Scott (Trace) Buzzelli. Also survived by 12 grandchildren, Luke, Colby, Marissa, Shay Buzzelli and Ashley, Benjamin, A.J. Buzzelli and Gage, Beau, Savannah, Holland and Blaise Buzzelli.  Also survived by brother David (Annette) Buzzelli and sister-in-law Yvonne Buzzelli along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on 14 November at 2:00 P.M. at St. John the Apostle Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor Dr. NE, Leesburg, VA 20176.  Full obituary

In lieu of flowers, send memorials to Compassion International whom the family has been supporting for many years (www.compassion.com) or Heifer Foundation 1 World Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202. 888-422-1161. (www.heiferfoundation.org) Debbie McCullough 501-907-4922.