Thank you Mr Buffone, your example shows us how to live and to love. He will be deeply missed. We grew up in Yatesboro together. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. This is a big event. May god bless the buffone family. In his post-NFL life, he hosted various Bears talk shows and the post-game shows for the games, co-hosted by former player and teammate Ed O'Bradovich, on 670 The Score. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. Thanks for the memories, and God bless the Buffone family. On "The Score", Buffone also co-hosted shows with Mike North (The Wise Guys) and Norm Van Lier (The Bear and The Bull) as well as other hosts. Doug Buffone will be missed." Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. Gone but never forgotten. He Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. 23, 2015. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. I never met Mr. Dougbut I loved to listen to him and his buddy OB, after a Bears win/loss, AND learned alot about football. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. He will be missed. only met a couple times.. truly a class act .. Condolences to his friends and family. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. Buffone went on to play 15 seasons at linebacker for the Bears, retiring in 1980 as the all-time leader in games played for the legendary organization. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. He played the game with passion and conviction. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. He was a Bears rookie. I love and will miss you dearly! "It drove him nuts when we didn't play well, and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cares," McCaskey said in a statement. "It drove him nuts when we didn't play well, and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cared," McCaskey said. Menu. Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. Obituaries Section. Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Could never know a better person and all that did were blessed! Web70 Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. Doug earned huge affection for his powerfully candid post-game show on WSCR-AM 670 with long-time friend and former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Your legacy will live forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down! Can the Lions fix their defense? Hope to see you in Heaven some day. "As I have loved you, Love one another" As the summertime approaches I am deeply aware of the extent to which Love has changed my life,The Love of strangers, for those in distress,The Love of family, The Love of Friends; And the ineffiable Love of Our Father in Heaven as expressed in the Gospels's Plan of Salvation and as Manifest in the Peace it gives in the face of devastating loss May His Love bring to you and your family the Peace is has brought to me this day and throughtout the coming days. Doug was my football hero. Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. Doug played, was all about head trauma. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. "But that kind of floored me when my son called me and said what had happened. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. A staple of the Bears' defense in the mid-1960s until his retirement following the 1979 season, Buffone arrived in Chicago in 1966 when team founder George Halas selected the linebacker in the fourth round of the NFL draft out of Louisville. RIP blueline EOG Master Apr 20, 2015 #2 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 only show at WSCR I made it a point to listen to RIP John Kelly Born Gambler Staff member Apr 20, 2015 #3 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 And I don't know if we really improved after that (with) our draft choices or whatever. "We lost one of our greats. "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. His earlier misses? I was a little girl, during the first half of his football career, he always treated me like I was special when I would see him or go to one of his games. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. Just to say hello and find out what they were doing because I was going to be in town also (for the NFL draft next week) where maybe we could hook up somewhere. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. Buffone played 14 seasons for the Bears tied for second most in franchise history making 1,257 tackles and surpassing the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Doug Buffone will be missed." When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. There's been a tremendous response to it. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. I should have made the call. Jr.(Harry) Paul, Bill, John and Doug were always together. Bear Down. He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! May the God of all comfort be with you all. 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander (198790). His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. 500) as one of seven children. Doug will be missed but not forgotten. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. our prays are with you. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. RIP. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! Menu. Tom Shaer. Many prayers to our cousins for the loss of Doug. It drove him nuts when we didnt play well and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cared. I'll never forget the laughs. I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. Dana, and family'. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. GOD Bless you all. Hub. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Veteran head coach Frank Camp, who tutored NFL greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Ken Kortas, said Buffone was "the most complete ball player I've ever coached.". Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. "His talent for tackling on the field earned him a special place in Bears history and his contributions in business and broadcasting made him a treasured member of our community off the field. Of course, it's the No. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. But Butkus never gives it extended thought. We lost one of our greats. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Buffone was an entrepreneur, and part owner of several Chicago area businesses, including "Gibson's Steak House", one of the most popular nightspots in Chicago's Rush Street area, and Digital One, a video production and streaming video company in the Chicago suburbs. I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. My condolences to Dana & children, Mr.Buffone you were a solid contributor to society and the Bears.A real class act God Bless you and your entire family.You will be missed. Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. Condolences to the family. He provided broadcast color commentary for the first NFL game (featuring the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys) in Europe. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. We are sorry to hear of Dougs passing. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Syracuse Post Standard. Search by Name. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. We are praying for you and family. I was 10 when I attended tha bobby Douglas football camp at moose heart in the suburbs I remember Doug I got his autograph and recall was very nice and happy to be there rip go bears, My condolences on the painful loss of Doug Buffone. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." Doug Buffone, a former Bears linebacker who made a seamless transition from a prominent football career to a successful second life as a popular Chicago sports radio personality and businessman, was found dead in his Chicago home Monday, according to police. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Adored his children and his Dana. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. Buffone, the son of a coal miner (whose parents were Italian immigrants from the southern province of Cosenza, regione di Calabria), attended high school at Shannock Valley High School in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, was found dead in his Chicago home, the coroners office said. PEACE. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, WebDoug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA. Gonna miss him. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. I will always remember our times together. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. You'll be missed Doug!!! In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Paramedics were called to Buffones home in the 1200 block of West Lexington Street around 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to police and fire officials. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Rest in peace big Doug. Great Player----Better Person. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. He remains the Cardinals' No. The team said in a statement that Buffone will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Cause of death not yet known. (Reuters) - Doug Buffone, a linebacker who played 14 seasons for the National Football Leagues Chicago Bears before retiring in 1980 as the franchises all-time leader in games played, died on Monday at the age of 70, the team said. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Our prayers go out to his wife, Dana, and his children. And they've made it a very big deal now. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? ~Ps. The Bears selected him in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft and he chose the team over a better contract offer from San Diego in the old AFL. Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70.Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, was found dead Monday in his home, according to police. "This is kind of a lull in the year. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). One was an air ball., Go big or go home. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. "We lost one of our greats. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. 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