Anthony Buksa

Anthony "Tony" Buksa, a longtime resident of Freedom, passed away peacefully at his home on July 22, 2025. He was 95.

Tony was born in Weirton, West Virginia, on May 2, 1930, to his proud parents Anton and Gabriella Buksa (née Jukich). His parents hailed from the island of Paug, Yugoslavia/Croatia, and they immigrated to the USA, where they lived in Weirton for a time before moving to California.

Eventually, his father Anton and he moved to Watsonville to help with his uncle George's 15-acre apple ranch on Calabasas Road. In time, the whole family followed, and they were so happy to be together. Anthony grew up here and attended Watsonville High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the military during the Korean War, so his brother could stay to care for and work on the apple ranch. Tony proudly served his country for 3 years in the 25th Army Division and one year in Korea. After the military, he worked at Southern Pacific Railroad for 43 years until his well-earned retirement. He was a hard-working, model employee and never once took a sick day in 43 years.

Tony was a natural athlete since his high school days and would probably still hold 100-yard dash records if he had the proper track shoes! He could still run in his 50s and 60s and lifted weights well into his 80s. He was fit and active most of his life and had Gene Hoularis as a mentor. He was a kind, loving person and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Tony is survived by his brother Mario Buksa, his son Eric Buksa and daughter-in-law Victoria, and his daughter Annette Buksa. He also leaves behind his wife Merle Dolores Buksa, his granddaughters and great-grandchildren, his stepchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his twin sister Marie, who passed away at 3 months of age, and his other sisters Virginia Vukasavich and Marie Buksa (who was Mario's twin).

A viewing and rosary will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 5 pm to 9 pm, with a rosary starting at 7 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Our Lady Help of Christians (Valley) Church at 10 am, with burial to follow at Valley Public Cemetery at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be greatly appreciated at: VFW Freedom Post, PO Box 716, Freedom, CA. 95019.

Published in The Pajaronian · July 30, 2025