Robert H. Buescher

Robert Henry Buescher was born April 30, 1928 and died February 21, 2025.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Carolyn (Behnke) June 24, 1933 – February 18, 2018, his parents, Eugenie Karoline (Stroh) and Adolph Ernst William Buescher, Sr. and brothers, Adolph Ernst William Buescher, Jr. October 6, 1922 – July 1, 1997 and Eugene Charles Buescher, Sr. January 15, 1926 – March 3, 1993.

Bob is survived by his children: Carol Lynn (Davis/Buescher) & James William Maxwell of Alpharetta, GA, Kim Lee (Buescher) Faass of Lawrenceville, GA, and Kurt Allen Buescher of Meriden, CT, his grandchildren: Karin Elizabeth (Davis) & Matthew John Cannata of South Boston, MA, Sarah Michelle (Davis) & Mahan Bozorginia of Johns Creek, GA, Jacquelynn Elaine Faass of Decatur, GA, Madeline Lee (Faass) & James Thomas Briscoe, III of Lawrenceville, GA, and great-grandchildren: Lucy Katherine Cannata, Charles Davis Cannata. Finnian Bozorginia and Dashyar Bozorginia.

Bob was born in Wentzville, MO, then, following in his older brother’s footsteps and using their text books, graduated from College of Engineering, University of Missouri in 1949.  After graduation, he secured a position with General Electric, Schenectady, NY, then Erie, PA where he met and married his sweetheart, Janet, April 11, 1953.

He served in the US Army beginning in 1954 and was Honorably Discharged in 1956, returning to positions with General Electric, Litton Industries, and Fairchild Industries until Sherman Fairchild requested he join the Advisory Staff which began his next career: Venture Capital (with a move to New York City. NY.)

He eagerly became a Partner with Bessemer Venture Partners, one of the oldest and most well-known venture capital partnerships, and enjoyed a very successful position spanning almost 40 years as Administrative Partner, realizing financial management was truly second nature.

Upon retiring in 2003, with the knowledge and experience of venture capital and faith-filled Lutheran backgrounds, both he and Janet were able to more fully peruse many philanthropic efforts while both continued their service with Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Seaford, NY.  He volunteered as Council President and Comptroller plus sang with the senior choir and she taught both Sunday School and Confirmation Classes.

Considering their philanthropic desires and educational institutions close to their hearts, Bob held a position on the Foundation Board of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, fulfilling a key role in managing the seminary’s investment portfolio.  He co-chaired a capital funds campaign for the University of Missouri’s College of Engineering, was Chairman of the Long Island Symphony and financial supporter of Dowling College, Winthrop-University Hospital and Public Broadcasting.

In concluding his retirement years, Bob served with the Metropolitan NY Synod ELCA Bishop’s Office, later expressing his most gratifying accomplishment as Synod Treasurer, by establishing balanced budgets, organizing the financial systems for timely, meaningful reports and setting new standards for accountability.  He was heard to say “It’s important for Lutherans to feel social responsivity and use their God-given talents toward the benefit of the church.”

We will miss him dearly and always remember a kind, generous and loving father, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend with a warm heart, quick wit, loving smile and funny story for every occasion.

Reposing Friday, March 21, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Charles G. Schmitt Funeral Home, 3863 Merrick Rd., (2 Traffic Lts. East of Rte. 135), Seaford, NY 11783.  A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2025 Washington Ave., Seaford, NY.  Interment will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.