Norman "Buzz" Desaulles

Buzz DeSaulles left us suddenly this past Sunday on September 28th, 2025. But not before blessing us all with his kindness, love, support, and sweet personality. He is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 59 years Diane (the love of his life), his children Phillip, Richard and Renee, 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren— each of whom Buzz was always “so happy [he’d] lived long enough to meet.” He will undoubtedly be welcomed by his predeceased sweetheart and daughter Lisa, his mother Louise, his beloved Aunt Mare, and his cousin Roy— along with many others.

Buzz and Diane’s house has always been a welcome sanctuary and holiday hotspot for his expansive and beloved family- whom he openly loved and admired. We will all miss his Italian holiday meals— which he prepared for weeks with great love and anticipation.

Raised most of his childhood by Louise, a single mother who worked in a dry cleaners, Buzz always wanted a big family- and for each of his kids to have siblings to play and travel through life with. He succeeded. Indeed.

After being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war, Buzz was an exemplary soldier, completing Airborne training in 1966. Buzz was eventually sent to fight in Vietnam, where he parachuted in as part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Operation Junction City, which was the only combat parachute jump of the war. Buzz earned commendations which included a Bronze Star for “heroic and meritorious achievement.” Despite his prowess as a soldier— Buzz rarely spoke of his military life, where we all knew he experienced the horrors of war up close. Ironically, Buzz never believed in the wisdom of the Vietnam war— but he prioritized his duty to serve his country above his own personal beliefs.

After the completion of his military service, Buzz returned to New York and he and Diane immediately started a family. His and Diane’s hard work led to their purchase of a home in East Islip, New York. For years Buzz worked in construction, often on high beams and in dangerous conditions. And after work, on winter evenings when it would snow, Buzz would leave his young kids and wife at home while he would spend hours shoveling sand and salt off of the back of pickup trucks— just so he could put a few extra presents under the Christmas tree.

Buzz also ran “Busy Buzzy Maintenance” for years as a second job. Buzz always hustled. When he was laid off- he hustled to get another job. When his income wasn’t cutting it— Buzz worked overtime or took on a second job. He never complained, he just worked more when needed.

Later Buzz took a job at Grumman Aerospace in Bethpage, New York, where he drilled rivets securing the wings of F-14 fighter jets and many other aircraft. Buzz and Diane eventually purchased the Hamlet Gift & Stationary store which settled into a second location in Oakdale, New York. The store was supposed to be Diane’s project, but somehow Buzz wound up working more hours there than anyone— but he loved his many “regulars” who would come by the store primarily to chat with Buzz for a while. And Buzz cherished his time at the store where he would drink coffee with his retired mother Louise, who had also been recruited to work in the family business.

In 1999 Buzz and Diane sold their house and store and left New York for a more affordable life in sunny San Diego, eventually settling in Chula Vista where they have enjoyed living ever since. Many of their kids and grandkids followed them there. And each of Buzz’s children, during difficult times, moved back in with Buzz and Diane— who always welcomed everyone home indefinitely with love and support. When his wife or son were ill, Buzz was right there to sit in the hospital with them.

All along his life’s journey— Buzz was always able to connect and chat with people of all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs. Even in today’s divided country, Buzz always listened and paid respect to others— including those he didn’t agree with.

Buzz will be remembered as a true man— an honest and faithful husband, a loving and protective father, and a devoted son who spoke to his elderly mother every day for decades. Buzz thought of others first, and he never demanded credit or accolades for what he deeply believed were his duties as a son, husband, father, grandfather, citizen or man. He was a happy and upbeat person whose optimism often lifted the spirit of those around him.

Buzz loved the Beatles and any afternoon you might find him sitting in the kitchen singing their music in his beautiful baritone voice.

You will be greatly missed and always celebrated.

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“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” 

~ Helen Keller~