Robert L. (Buzzy) Boothroyd

Ithaca, New York - It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Buzzy” Boothroyd, age 87, who passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022 after a brief illness.  Buzzy passed peacefully with his family by his side. Buzzy was born on February 16, 1935, the middle child of the late Robert S. Boothroyd and Viola C. Boothroyd.

Buzzy’s journey in life began in Ithaca, N.Y. graduating from Ithaca High School in 1959. He enlisted in the Army spending his days in Alaska as a gunnery assistant.  Buzzy was a 1960 graduate of Ithaca College. He was a member of the Delta Kappa fraternity and established an off campus fraternity house. He was a lifetime member of the Ithaca College Alumni Association and graduated with a BA in Business. He went on to join his father at the Boothroyd Insurance Agency where he began his long passion for serving the Ithaca community.  Buzzy was a life member of the Loyal Order of Elks and twice elected to serve as their Exalted Ruler. Rita and Buzzy joined the Jaycees in the 1960’s where they made lifelong friends affectionately known as “the gang.”  Buzzy was dedicated to community service and was a lifelong democrat, who was deeply involved in Ithaca politics. He was a founding member of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services and the Ithaca Community Recovery Inc. which he fondly called “518.”

In 1970 Buzzy became involved in Ithaca Youth Hockey, helping wherever needed, managing the travel teams. He was also instrumental in the building of two hockey rinks, Cass Park and “The Rink” in Lansing where he would run the Zamboni.

Retiring in 1995, Buzzy never stopped his involvement in Ithaca and was dedicated to the community his entire life.  He was lovingly called “Pa'' by his grandchildren and “Uncle Buzzy” by his many nieces and nephews.  For over 20 years Rita and Buzzy would travel to Athens, Georgia thoroughly enjoying time with their family in the south. Along the way on their many trips south they would stop and visit with family and friends.  Often, from their base in Georgia, they would journey to Florida to reunite with “the Gang”.

Near the end of his life, Buzzy  was a happy, opinionated, life- loving old soul, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Robert is survived by by his loving wife of 62 years Rita Aguilar Boothroyd and his sister, Phyllis Boothroyd Lee of Santa Rosa, California, Five children; Carleton Corey, Kimberly Boothroyd (George Shaker), Steven Boothroyd (Laura Boothroyd), Mark Boothroyd, Gabrielle Carlson (Eric Carlson) and their niece Roxane Roberts (Jeff Robert), nine beloved grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great grandchildren and in-laws. He was predeceased by his father, Robert S. Boothroyd and Viola C, Boothroyd. The family would like to thank the home health care folks who provided loving care for dad over the last two years, Their attention and support was invaluable. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Ithaca Community Recovery Center or to the SPCA of Tompkins County in Buzzy’s honor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at St. Catherine of Siena Church with Fr. Joe Marcoux as officiant. Friends may call from 10-11 am prior to the Mass. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to Robert's family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com