Martin Joseph Buchta

Martin Joseph Buctha, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully in Prescott, Arizona on November 16, 2008 in the year of our Lord. He was 91 years old. Foremost, Martin was the hardworking and loyal husband to Pauline (Perchinsky) Buchta, his loving spouse of 69 years. A devout Catholic, by example he instilled in his ten children the value of honesty, humility, and devotion to God. He was an active member of the SS Cyril & Methodius Slovak Church reading scripture at Mass, performing acts of charity through the efforts of Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW), and praying diligently as a soldier for Christ in the Nocturnal Adoration Society. Martin?s love of country shone not just in his pride to fly Old Glory, but also in his service in the Navy during World War II. As a youngster, he worked as a lifeguard and he later used these skills to help in the rescue of his two eldest sons who had unexpectantly jumped into Ansco Lake. Later he began a career at GAF Corporation, which spanned 50 years, beginning as a carpenter and finishing as a Methods Engineer. An avid golfer, Martin had two holes-in-one on number 7 at his home course of Ely Park. Striking the ball well into his 80?s one of his son?s could surely hear his admonishment ?Drive for show, Putt for dough? as he typically was 100 yards shorter than anyone, yet chipped in or made some huge putt to win the hole. He also enjoyed dancing the Polka with his sweet Pauline, bowling and cards with his pals, and an occasional adult beverage, especially beer. Martin could have easily had a 2nd career as a weatherman as he could look at clouds, formations and the sky and intuitively predict the comings of both storms and sunshine. This is documented in his many journals written over the years which also included family trips and numerous golf adventures.   Martin is survived by his beloved wife, Pauline, six sons; Robert (Tracy), Richard (Diane), David (Donna), James, Martin (Kathy), Michael (Deborah) and 4 daughters;Patricia (Roger) Lyon-Surrey, Suzanne (Tim) Bradley, Christine (Alan) Geller and Teresa (Rich Edwards) Buchta; daughter-in-law, Glenna Buchta; as well as 30 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by son-in-law Robert Lyon and daughter-in-law, Longina Fisch Buchta.