Dr. André Buchs, a prominent oral surgeon in Central Florida, died peacefully on Aug. 25, 2017 surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters. He was 78 years old.
Andre Buchs passed away on Aug. 25. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2.
Andy was born May 23, 1939 to Laura L. and Andre O. Buchs of Darien. He graduated from Darien High School in 1957 where he was selected First Team All-State in football.
He set the school record in track with the shot put, and played hockey as a defenseman. He also played baseball with his high school team. Andy was president of the Latin Club and also served on the Student Council Board of Directors.
In November 2013, Andy was honored at the Darien High School Old Timers Athletic Association Sports Award annual dinner.
He graduated from Colgate University in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in geology. At Colgate, he played guard in football and threw the shot put in track for four years. After Colgate, Andy did graduate work at the University of Connecticut where he met his future wife, Verna Payer of Bethlehem, Penn. They were married in 1962.
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— This obituary previously was published by the Orlando Sentinel
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He then went to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, graduating with a DMD degree in 1966. After graduation, Andy served on active duty in the Army as a Captain in the Panama Canal Zone. While there, he received the Army Commendation Medal. Following his military service, he took a three year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
Dr. Buchs was a nationally recognized pioneer in dental implants, having placed more than 16,000 in the 43 years he practiced in Orlando with Central Florida Oral Surgery. He retired in June 2016.
Andy was a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, a diplomate of the American Society of Osseointegration, a member of the Academy of Osseointegration, a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
He is the past president of the Dental Society of Greater Orlando, a past member of the board of directors of the Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and past chairman of the Department of Dentistry of Florida Hospital. He was also and adjunct associate professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
From the mid-80s to the mid-90s Andy lectured extensively on dental implants both nationally and internationally. He has authored more than 20 articles in professional journals and has co-authored a chapter in a text on dental implants.
He also provided needed dental care in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands for several years while accompanied by his wife.
He is survived by his wife Verna, of 55 years, and their daughters: Susan Carey (the late Peter Carey) of Winter Park, Fl., Kristen Calendrille (John), of Port Jefferson, N.Y. and Anne Van Vleck (Chris) of Chatham, Mass.; and grandchildren: Paige, Grant, Courtney, and Lauren, Travis, Will and Charlie.
Two sisters and a brother also survive him: Barbara Connolly of New York City, Doug Buchs (Merrily) of South Hamilton, Mass. and Priscilla Williams of Nelson, N.H. Nieces and nephews include Andy Irvine, Curtis Buchs and Chris and Kate Williams.
Andy’s family was the pride and joy of his life; he was happiest when they were all together. He and Vern enjoyed special travel experiences with their daughters. Through the years, they had numerous ski vacations in Colorado and Utah, a Christmas in France, spring break in Bermuda, and bike trips in Vermont, North Carolina, Cape Cod, Bike Florida, and The Five Borough Bike Tour in New York City.
As the grandchildren arrived, the traveling continued with vacations to Grand Canyon, Vermont, Amelia Island, and a Disney Cruise. Andy also traveled extensively throughout his life with Vern and many friends throughout Europe, Canada, the United States and the Caribbean Islands. He loved to cheer on his grandchildren at their sporting events, as well. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and especially his loving family and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2 at First United Methodist Church, 125 N. Interlachen Ave., Winter Park, Fl. A reception will follow at the church.
Gifts in his memory may be given to the Andy Buchs Memorial Fund at Colgate University, Colgate Gift Records, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346. or given in memory of Andy Buchs to Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL 32803.