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JOHN CLARK BUSSE Age 80, of Ben Avon, peacefully on August 31, 2020, surrounded by family. Preceded by his loving wife of 54 years, Magdeline Pogozelec Busse; father of Amelia Busse Cheever (Eric), John Paul Busse, Claire Marie Busse (Jack Tabor), Emily Busse Schwartz (Kevin), grandfather Pap of Abigail, Kristen, Fiona, Ramsey, Phoebe, Cyrus; beloved brother of Arlene (Alfred) Grubbs, and Dorothy (Lawrence) Pollack; brother-in-law of Dorothy Pogozelec; loved by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many honorary children who needed a place to stay. John was a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science degree in The Building Sciences; member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity; and, for over 30 years, President of F.J. Busse Co., Inc., a family business started by his Grandfather in 1926. Many Pittsburgh landmarks were built under his supervision including the Mt. Washington Overlook, the Point State Park Fountain and numerous churches and schools. John spent his life serving his profession and community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Master Builders' Association of Western Pennsylvania, a Laborers' Pension Fund Trustee, an American Arbitration Association Arbiter, a member of the City of Pittsburgh Code Review Board, Councilman for the Ben Avon Borough Council, and member of the Tri Borough Planning Commission. His leadership roles during his lifetime included serving as the President for the General Contractors Association of Western Pennsylvania, the Master Builder's Association of Western Pennsylvania's' Legislative Committee Chairman, President of the Pittsburgh Jaycees, and co-chairing the Ben Avon Bicentennial Committee with his wife, Maggie. John was a devout Catholic and belonged to Sacred Heart Parish in Emsworth, where he was a member of the Choir and Church Finance Committee. John was a tried and true Pittsburgh Steeler fan and season ticket holder for 50 years. He was a kind and generous man who would do all that he could to help you if you were in need. He was devoted to his wife as Alzheimer's slowly stole her away from him. He was stubborn and loved a spirited argument, his preferred position was opposition and he was most himself when operating from that stance. John had a biting humor combined with a brilliant mind and wide-ranging curiosity making him a master storyteller, even if you heard his tales one too many times. He shared his love of music with his family and his beautiful singing voice with his church. He loved spending time with friends and family and entertaining with Maggie, opening their home so that all felt welcome. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all that crossed his path. Burial services were private. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John's memory to one of the following organizations- Alzheimer Disease Research Center, (University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Montefiore, Four West, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582), Sacred Heart Church, (154 Orchard Avenue, Emsworth, PA 15202) or Joseph A. Massaro Alzheimer's Research Fund, (Pittsburgh Foundation, 5 PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222).Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the MCDONALD LINN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE, Avalon, PA. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
