Francis A. Buffington, age 82, of Wilmington, DE died peacefully at home on January 25, 2022.
Known as “Frank” to some and “Buff” to many, he was born in Chester, PA and raised (some would say doted on) by his mother, Catherine and his grandmother, May McElwee in his beloved Eddystone, PA. Buff graduated from Eddystone High School in 1957, and briefly attended West Chester State Teacher’s College, as it was then known, before starting a 32-year career at Philadelphia Electric Company. A self-professed “workin’ man,” Buff provided for his family of six through decades of shift work, overtime, and double shifts as a boiler operator at PECO.
“Passionate” is not a strong enough word to describe Buff’s love of all things athletic. As a small, scrappy youth, he played little league baseball, pee-wee football, and even tried his gloved hand at boxing. As an adult, he was an avid member of multiple softball teams and bowling leagues. Retirement was an opportunity to take up golf. He never missed an “Iggles” football game, recording his own stats and providing color commentary to any family members who were watching along with him.
But it was basketball at which Buff truly excelled. He set scoring records at Eddystone High, took the team to playoffs at the Palestra, and earned himself a scholarship to West Chester. When his playing days were over he put on the striped shirt and grabbed a whistle to referee CYO and middle school games in Wilmington. In the 1990s he shared his time and talent with the Brandywine High School girls basketball program as freshman team coach and varsity team assistant coach. “Mr. Buff” could not have been more proud of the combined 43 and 8 record of the 1996 and 1997 teams.
The BHS Bulldog marching band also benefited from Buff’s zeal. He built drum major podiums and attended parades. And he never missed a football half-time show, frequently shushing fans who were being less than attentive to the performance (much to the embarrassment of his musical daughters).
Buff will be greatly missed by his devoted wife of 58 years, Marianne Ratasiewicz Buffington, whose meticulous and constant caregiving ensured his comfort and dignity for the last 18 months of his life. He is also survived by daughters Mary (Ben Bauer), Monica (Jonathan Humphrey), Michelle (Rockwell Harwood), and Marcia Dougherty (Jim); and by grandchildren Vivian, Rocky, and Emma Harwood.
The family is grateful to the wonderful team at Seasons Hospice for their care and support over the last 18 months.
A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, February 6 at 1:00 pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware. For the health and safety of all, masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Brandywine High School girls basketball team or band music program. Checks may be made payable to Brandywine High School, and mailed to Rick Shea, Business Director, 1400 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.
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