Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. You will always be an inspiration. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. Family (1) Spouse Dana (? Buffone's company Digital One is the creator of ClickStreamTV, an online video platform product that was designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". My God Bless Doug and his Family. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. The Bears selected him in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft and he chose the team over a better contract offer from San Diego in the old AFL. We are praying for you and family. A gentle giant. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. Your legacy will live forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down! "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead from natural causes, said police Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. "As I have loved you, Love one another" As the summertime approaches I am deeply aware of the extent to which Love has changed my life,The Love of strangers, for those in distress,The Love of family, The Love of Friends; And the ineffiable Love of Our Father in Heaven as expressed in the Gospels's Plan of Salvation and as Manifest in the Peace it gives in the face of devastating loss May His Love bring to you and your family the Peace is has brought to me this day and throughtout the coming days. I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. Just to say hello and find out what they were doing because I was going to be in town also (for the NFL draft next week) where maybe we could hook up somewhere. The Associated Press. Web70 Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. He was 70. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. We grew up in Yatesboro together. Listening to him and Ed was great. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. I was fortunate to meet him a few times at autographing sessions and was in awe of how he handled everyone with a smile, joke and even a story. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . "Butkus remembered Buffone as a hard-working teammate who spent his 14 seasons with the Bears invested in the team rather than chasing his own personal glory. 1 sport. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. Such an amazing man. Adored his children and his Dana. doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. No cause of death was released. Doug gave much pleasure and smiles to all of Chicago once he came aboard his Rookie year. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. Fred, Shelly, Anthony, and Stefanie Caito, My deepest sympathy to your family, and may you keep in mind the scriptural hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time-John 17:3, I met Doug a few years ago at an IL CPA function where he was a guest speaker at the luncheon. You'll be missed Doug!!! #dougbuffone. RIP # 55. Doug earned huge affection for his powerfully candid post-game show on WSCR-AM 670 with long-time friend and former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. You will be greatly missed old friend. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. A great Bear, but a better person. Dear Dana, Kay Varga and I are thinking of you and sending you heartfelt prayers to give you strength to help you through this most difficult time. Menu. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. I'll never forget the laughs. Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Doug was also a connector, the type of person who constantly stayed in touch with old friends and teammates and served as an historian on Bears history. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. On "The Score", Buffone also co-hosted shows with Mike North (The Wise Guys) and Norm Van Lier (The Bear and The Bull) as well as other hosts. "I don't think anybody that has played for the Bears ever had more.' Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. It's the old thing. Gonna miss him. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, was found dead in his Chicago home, the coroner's office said. Just a great guy. Buffone was an entrepreneur, and part owner of several Chicago area businesses, including "Gibson's Steak House", one of the most popular nightspots in Chicago's Rush Street area, and Digital One, a video production and streaming video company in the Chicago suburbs. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, was found dead in his Chicago home, the coroner's office In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. Death of Doug Buffone. A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. Chicago Bears legend Doug Buffone, who played in 186 games for the organization and is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever wear the teams uniform, died Monday at the age of 70. Great Player----Better Person. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). #bearslegend #55. 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander (198790). "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. Chicago Bears legend Doug Buffone, who played in 186 games for the organization and is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever wear the teams Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. Postgames will never be the same without him. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Search by Name. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. RIP. Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. At Louisville, Buffone played center and linebacker for coach Frank Camp. I'm going to miss BIG DOUG! Dougie, you were a great teammate." Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". The Associated Press contributed to this report. Doug Buffone will be missed.". Doug was the epitome of the All American as a player and gentlemen. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. It's hard to say. Menu. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. Cause of death not yet known. Great person. ESPN's Jeff Dickerson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Doug has already entered the gates of Heaven. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. He led Louisville in tackles three straight years and remains third on the all-time career list for tackles made with 479. St Patrick John Class of 1982 and Lake Forest College Class 1986 numbers 51&52 at Belmont & Austin will be at the visitation with a smile.No tears because I believe that number 55 is in heaven as I type this! He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". Of course, it's the No. The team said in a statement that Buffone will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Doug Buffone will be missed. Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. Doug will be missed but not forgotten. What a guy! Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, was found dead Monday in his home, according to police. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. "It drove him nuts when we didn't play well, and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cared," McCaskey said. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. 500) as one of seven children. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Thank you for your friendship. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. I just found this sad news out. 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