Virginia Beach—Stuart Harold Buxbaum, age 87, died peacefully at his home on January 12, 2023.
On March 26, 1935, Stuart was born in Jamaica, N.Y., to the late Julius and Margie Buxbaum. He is predeceased by his sister, Carol Waranch.
In the 1940s, Julius moved his family to Tidewater, settling in Norfolk to pursue an opportunity in the home-building business. During this time, Julius and Margie became founding members of Temple Israel. Stuart attended Granby High School and graduated in 1953. While he was never large enough to play football, Coach Johnny Brown appreciated his organizing skills and made him Team Manager. Stuart remained close with many of his high school friends for more than 60 years. He joined the Army Reserve, receiving an honorable discharge in 1963. He attended Virginia Tech and returned home to work in his family’s business, Buxbaum & Waranch, a land development and home building company. In the late 1980s, Stuart started another business with his eldest son, Ed. Together, S&E Builders continued to build custom homes for another 30 years throughout Hampton Roads.
In 1963, Stuart and his former wife, Alice Epstein Buxbaum, moved their young family to Carolanne Farms in Kempsville. Stuart didn’t take long to discover his passion and need to serve his community. He joined the Kempsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad that same year. During his 21-year commitment, Stuart rose to the rank of Volunteer Fire Chief. In 1968, he was involved in the purchase of state-of-the-art fire and rescue equipment. As a building boom began in Virginia Beach, so was the need for a new fire station. Stuart was able to procure land and oversaw the development of Station 10 Woodstock. In 1975, the building was completed and opened with nine firefighters. Stuart served as a role model and had the honor of becoming a surrogate Dad to many of the young volunteers at the station. He always believed that what happened at the station stayed at the station, even when the principal at Kempsville High School would call looking for some of his students. Stuart always welcomed new members and passionately shared his love for serving others in need.
In 1984, the Kempsville Ruritans recognized Stuart’s dedication to the community and named him “Citizen of the Year.” Stuart always had a passion for water. If he wasn’t fighting fires, and building homes, he would be racing his mini hydroplane boat, “Little Bux,” along the mid-Atlantic.
In 1986, Stuart began another chapter of his life with his wife, Marilyn Dozoretz Buxbaum. They have been happily married for more than 36 beautiful years. Together they shared their love of the Washington Redskins, Old Dominion football, Doumar’s vanilla ice cream, parades, many Virginia Arts Festivals, and Military Tattoo performances. While Stuart never had much of an ear for rhythm and music, he began playing the tambourine in Marilyn’s Klezmer band. He proudly dressed in European attire, sharing Marilyn’s love of music with her and the band.
Stuart and Marilyn loved to spend their winter months in Naples, Fla. Naturally, they made friends wherever they traveled. It was a visit to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida when Stuart found a renewed way to serve. He began training as a Dock Master, which became his latest love. Stuart always made sure the scheduler had his availability, often stepping up and filling vacant spots. There was always something to learn; in turn, he loved sharing his stories.
Stuart will be missed by the many lives he touched and the lifelong friendships he made along the way.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marilyn Buxbaum. His children Ed (Jackie) of Virginia Beach, Susan (Jorge) of Tucson, Ariz., Margie of Virginia Beach, and Jon (Mara) of Raleigh, N.C. Papa to Brian, Kevin, Emma, Jacob, Ben, Drew, and Nate. He is also survived by Marilyn’s daughters, Shari (Andrew) and Renee (John) of Virginia Beach and grandchildren Erica (Andrew), Craig (Sophia), Jason, Julia (Matt), Jacqueline, and Joseph.
The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers provided by Seniorcorps/The Key, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, and Westminster Canterbury Hospice.
Funeral services were graveside at Forest Lawn Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg. Please consider a donation to Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Ohef Sholom Temple, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.