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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Joseph W. Buxton

Joseph W. Buxton of Savage, MD died suddenly in a hiking accident in Hartford County, MD on February 17, 2020, at the age of 22.

Born in Wilmington, DE, Joseph was home-schooled and attended the Charter School of Wilmington. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Delaware in 2019 with a degree in Applied Mathematics, he began a career as a research mathematician at the Department of Defense.

Kind, loving, full of joy and richly blessed with many friends, Joseph treasured his extended family and cherished visiting them “at home” in the Midwest. He had an almost boundless passion for numbers, a deep love of nature and a strong interest in history and politics. His fervent Catholic faith was an inspiration and his characteristic infectious smile a gift to all. He will be deeply missed as a beloved son, brother, family member and friend.

Joseph is survived by his parents William and Jane (Baer) Buxton, brother Nathan Buxton, grandparents Omer and Agnes Baer, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by grandparents Lester and Gladys Buxton.

Please consider contributions to benefit the St. Thomas More Oratory, 45 Lovett Avenue, Newark, DE 19711 in memory of Joseph.

Funeral Services

Friends and family may visit Sunday February 23 from 2 to 5 pm at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 am on Monday February 24 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 600 E. 6th Street, Wilmington. Interment will follow Mass at Wilmington & Brandywine Cemetery.

Condolences

    Josephine & Steve DiGiovanni lit a candle and writes,
    We are deeply sorry for the loss of Joe. He was good friends with our son since CSW. We would see Joe at the St. Thomas More Oratory for mass. He and Alex always greeted one another in their unique way. We had the pleasure of getting to know Joe who enjoyed attending dinner parties with his CSW / UD friends. May he rest in peace with our Lord. The DiGiovanni's
    02/20/2020 01:13 pm
    Karen and Robert Johnston lit a candle and writes,
    Our family is so very sorry for the loss of Joseph a gifted, humble and loving example of his faith. I will always have the memory of Joseph and Bobby on their first day at CSW after their years of homeschooling. They stood side by side taking in their new experience together. Fast forward to their first day at college as roommates. They remain strong friends through high school, college, and post college. There are no words. Please know that you are all in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
    02/20/2020 06:26 pm
    Joan Fasullo lit a candle and writes,
    Jane, Bill, and Nathan, there are no words to express our utter anguish at learning this heartbreaking news. We offer our love and prayers for all of you as well as prayers of thanksgiving for God's gift of such an extraordinarily gifted, sensitive young man. I will forever treasure the memory of our time together - he brought me such joy every week, and I always felt privileged to be his teacher. May choirs of angels lead him into Paradise!
    02/20/2020 10:01 pm
    Konark lit a candle and writes,
    My condolences, Joe was a great friend and one of the best people I've ever known. He was a super smart guy and cared so much about everyone around him. The little gestures he did for our friend group like remembering birthdays really meant a lot. Joe was a gift, and the time we spent with him made us better people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. May Joe rest in peace, he will be dearly missed.
    02/20/2020 11:52 pm
    Ken Jackson writes,
    I had the pleasure of working with Joseph at Fairfax Hardware and it truly was a pleasure. He was always a bright light to a sometimes cloudy day and (I) we loved his energy, his humor, his work ethic... I was lucky to have known Joseph and I will miss him deeply. After he left the store and I moved to Maine, Joseph had friended me on Facebook so I was able to keep up with his life and I always looked forward to his updates. You never quite knew what he'd be doing next... Bill, Jane and Nathan, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family and I hope you can cherish the time you had and the memories you made. My deepest condolences.
    02/21/2020 08:42 am
    Victoria Tolton lit a candle and writes,
    Sending our love and deepest sympathy to Bill, Jane, Nathan and families. God Bless from the Giliberto and Tolton families.
    02/21/2020 10:47 am
    Beth Nussbaumer lit a candle and writes,
    Jane, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry.
    02/21/2020 03:49 pm
    Sharron Laas writes,
    My heart goes out to all of Joseph's family and friends. I know how hard the shock and grief of a sudden and untimely death can be. My deepest condolences to all. Sharron
    02/21/2020 04:56 pm
    Rose Lounsbury lit a candle and writes,
    Jane, Bill, and Nathan--you are all in my thoughts and prayers greatly and consistently. I was heartbroken when I heard the news--images of Joe came rushing to me--his smile as I taught him, his joy to give understanding to others, his words of comfort to others when they struggled, and his own struggling becoming puzzles for him to solve instead of dreaded work. He is a gift to us all and I will forever be grateful to have known him. I have been inspired by him and will continue to be. Thank you for raising such a wonderful soul. I trust God will bless you all and I will continue to pray mightily for you.
    02/21/2020 06:04 pm
    David W Brown writes,
    I had Joseph as a student at the Charter School of Wilmington. His talents in Computer Science were obvious and he was a treat as a student. His death greatly saddens me as there was far too much talent and achievement left to be fulfilled. He had written to me about his internship while at UD and was excited and looking to the future. Too soon, too much talent and personality lost, and too much influence he could have had going by the wayside. He leaves a deep hole in many memories on many levels. David W. Brown, PhD
    02/21/2020 08:28 pm
    Sue Faust writes,
    Bill, Jane, and Nathan, my heart goes out to you. He truly grew into an amazing young man. His beautiful smile adds brightness to the glory of Heaven - but it will be so missed his loved ones who remain behind.
    02/21/2020 09:02 pm
    Lauren Burkett lit a candle and writes,
    I cannot send enough sympathy and prayers to the Buxton family. I was Joseph’s resident assistant in Sharp Hall our junior year. Joseph was someone who any one of his peers would feel comfortable going to for support, and was always a kind-hearted smiling-face within our floor community. Joseph often hosted fun movie night student initiated funds for him and his peers - always being independent in coordinating and creating promotional materials to advertise the events. I also have fond memories of Joseph standing at his Math Club table for the entirely of student activities nights, welcoming new members in joining. His passion for mathematics was clear as President of the club, and his genuine nature was always a pleasure to have as my resident. Rest In Peace, Joseph you were so loved.
    02/22/2020 12:50 pm
    Arthur Pleasanton writes,
    Joseph came to work with my family at Fairfax Hardware in June 2013.Joesph was one of the great young men that made our store great success with his great smile and happy outlook. As I got to know Joseph in those few years I realized how much I would miss him as he left for college.But Joseph always gave me faith that we all live in a great place thank you Joseph. We will all miss you Artie, Janice, Mallory, Paige and everyone at Fairfax Hardware.
    02/22/2020 12:51 pm
    Valerie & Gerard D'Souza lit a candle and writes,
    Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Bill, Jane and Nathan and extended family and friends. Joseph touched so many lives for the good with his smile and kindness. We are grateful for his friendship with our son Dean from the time they spent at CSW and as room-mates at UD for 3 years and after university. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love and God Bless from the D'Souza family.
    02/22/2020 01:08 pm
    Charles & Cathy McCloskey writes,
    We were shocked and saddened to read about Joseph. You are in our prayers. Charlie & Cathy McCloskey
    02/22/2020 01:37 pm
    Susan Stark lit a candle and writes,
    I am so very heartily sorry for your devastating loss. As a parent, I know this must be an unbearable time. I have already said a rosary for you and your family and will continue to do so for one month. If you ever feel the desire to reach out and talk, please do not hesitate to do so. I will pray for peace and healing.
    02/22/2020 01:46 pm
    Todd Stark writes,
    I worked with Jane at Digital a lifetime ago and remember her fondly and just wanted to let her know that she and her family are in my thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time. I didn't know Joseph, yet the description of his intelligence and virtue rings very familiar to me from my remembrance of Jane.
    02/22/2020 01:55 pm
    Alexander Fish lit a candle and writes,
    Joe and I always had our signature way of greeting each other: I would say "Mr. Buxton," and he would respond with "Mr. Fish" followed by a simultaneous "Good to See You!" I would always look forward to this exchange. No matter what was going on whether work, school, exams, or any of the million things that happened in the day, I always cheered up when Joe and I did this. I remember Joe kept track of the streak; one time to ensure the streak continued, he texted and asked if I was in my dorm in Harter. After responding yes, he quickly walked over from his dorm in Sharp knocked on my door and greeted me to keep our streak going. Joe and I have shared many memories over the years from Model UN to late night board games in Redding Hall to Midnight Reservoir Walks to Dining Hall Dinners at around 6 and much more. Through the course of all these memories, Joe always had a smile and happiness in his heart. He truly was one of the best friends I have ever had. Mr. and Mrs. Buxton, I know this is a hard and trying time for you, but I want you to know that your son was a gift to the world. You should be proud of the man you raised and loved. He brought a brilliant light to this world that remains with everyone he met. He will always be deeply missed and remembered by so many, including myself. Joe and your family will forever be in my prayers. - Alex Fish
    02/22/2020 10:13 pm
    Melissa Mattes writes,
    The Buxton Family were friends and neighbors when we lived on West 19th street. We spent time with Joseph in his early years, and it was clear then that he was a joyful, kind, and gentle soul. His light will conitnue to shine in those who knew him. Missy Mattes
    02/23/2020 07:52 am
    Jim, Kim, Tori, Ashley Julia Provo lit a candle and writes,
    Joseph was truly a child of God. You raised him to be such a remarkable young man. We are thinking of you and sending all three of you our heartfelt sadness and love. As Joseph said it best in his Facebook post in Jan regarding Tolkien.... Fell tidings indeed, but yet he passes from this world... Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
    02/24/2020 07:23 pm

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