Larry Herbert Buss

Larry Herbert Buss, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026. Larry was born in Jamestown, New York, on June 20, 1938, at Jamestown’s WPC Hospital to Larry William Buss and Eva Viola Buss, née Billig. He is predeceased by his sister, Letty Ann Taylor.

While attending Sherman High School, Larry ambitiously joined his Sherman High School Air Force Reserve Officer Training (AFROTC) program. He later graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, followed by Air Force Officer Training at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. While stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, he met his wife, Helen Elizabeth Buss, née Pohlreich. They married on June 15, 1963, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Larry then went on to earn his Master's Degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M University. He dedicated 20 years of Air Force service in computer programming, while also teaching computer science at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Following his time in the Air Force, Larry served as the Director of Information Technology at the Vista Unified School District in Vista, California, from 1980 to 1999. As the founder of the district’s Information Technology Department, he built the program from the ground up, creating systems and infrastructure that greatly benefited both staff and students for years to come. With a strong commitment to community service, Larry was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Sunrise Vista in Vista, California, serving several terms as president.

Larry enjoyed playing and watching all sports, baseball most of all. For recreation, he was often found on the racquetball, tennis, and pickleball courts, and the golf course, too. By all accounts, he’s already golfing 18 holes and hitting a hole-in-one up in heaven.

In retirement, Larry enjoyed cross-country travel in his RV, riding the “Coaster” to Padres baseball games, betting the horses at the Del Mar (California) Racetrack, playing blackjack in Las Vegas, and deep-sea fishing off the Oceanside, California coast. Larry lived a rich, full life, touching the hearts of many. He will truly be missed as a loving spouse, father, grandfather, and friend.

Larry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen, of Bernalillo, New Mexico; his two daughters, Lisa Buss (Sandy) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Laura Zaki Ross (Will) of East Brunswick, New Jersey; and granddaughters Jillian (David), Mara, and Lana.

A memorial mass will be held at the Church of the Incarnation in Rio Rancho, New Mexico at a later date. Larry’s cremated remains will be laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with full military honors.