Birth date: May 30, 1955 Death date: Mar 4, 2023
Michael Joseph Buono, PhD, 67, passed away on March 4, 2023 in San Diego, California from Legionella pneumonia. He was born on May 30, 1955 in Dover, New Jersey to Joseph and Helen Buono. Michael, a loving and devoted husband, fat Read Obituary
We are missing you, Michael, from Kefu Ma (Australia).
I believe I met Michael during the years that Kristen was a student at Henry. Shelly, I'm so sad to hear of Michael's passing and I know how difficult it is when it's so unexpected. My heart goes out to you, Kristen and your family.
Yvonne Walden
A lot has been said about Dr. Buono (Mike to me) inside the classroom, but outside the classroom, he equally pushed those around him. More years than I care to admit (around 25 I think), our families took a trip together to Yosemite. We collectively decided one day would be devoted to the 16-mile round trip hike from Yosemite Valley to the top of Half Dome and back, Mike and I one day, our wives the next. Mike and I couldn't take the easy trail, no! We chose the Mist Trail because it was shorter, and we were cool and tough (we subsequently discovered it was much steeper than the John Muir Trail and took a lot more energy). We were quite relieved when we finally got to the meadow and Mosquito Alley. Trying to be ecologically conscience even then, we had read that Avon's Skin So Soft was a great substitute for commercial mosquito sprays so we had lathered it on with great confidence that we were well protected. NOT. The mosquitos seemed to relish the change, and us wearing a new condiment. Not only were our legs barking from fatigue but now our arms were getting a workout with our continuous slapping. We eventually made it out of the meadow but then faced rocky step after rocky step stair-climbing to the base of Half Dome. At the base, looking up at the almost vertical face and the only way up was dragging ourselves by a thinnish and very unsafe looking cable, we realized we weren't done. But I was! I sat down and had had enough; I was not going one more step onward or upward. Mike wouldn't hear of it. After cajoling, encouraging, and, very like Mike, leading the way, we slowly pulled our way up. And we made it together! And it was spectacular. It has been years but that memory of Mike pushing me beyond what I thought I was capable of sticks with me to this day. I'm very grateful and still consider conquering Half Dome one of my best physical accomplishments. There is no way I would have made it alone. It meant so much I still have the official I Made It T-shirt we bought afterwards.
As an aside he saved a young boy's life that day too. We were descending, holding onto the cable for dear life, when the hat flew off the head of a kid climbing up. The boy let go of the cable and started scrambling across the rock face after his hat. Mike grabbed the boy and told him it wasn't worth it. I'm convinced Mike saved that kid from falling off of the mountain to certain death.
Mike would never volunteer telling either of these tales about himself; he considered it bragging. But facts are facts and Mike's influence has spread far and wide.
Dr. B was the first to suggest I consider pursuing a career in teaching when I was a graduate student at SDSU (in what was then PE).Over the years, our relationship grew to where we became colleagues and friends - I fondly recall our many chats and laughs each time he worked his 'pythons' in the varsity weight room (in his short-shorts, white sneakers and tube socks) and the many times I would walk by his office (always an open door) with his famous Dr. B-unique floor filing system. We would engage in chats about trips, many of which he wanted to take - Iceland for example. His smile, and the energy and passion he brought to every conversation was both infectious and remains memorable. These are, but just some of my many fond memories of Dr. B that I will treasure. We all miss him horribly, but I take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on in each of our lives and at SDSU.
Dr. Buono was the reason why I wanted to do my masters in Exercise Physiology. He was my mentor and truly a friend that no teacher has ever really been to me. I can still hear him make jokes about my crocs and how much he loved the little animal jibbitz (what he used to refer to as "giblets") lol! He really was the best teacher I have ever ever had and I still cannot believe his passing. He has left too many amazing memories and will always be remembered as the the fun, happy, and simply great person he was. I will never stop mentioning his name, he had too great of an impact in my, and others‘ lives.
I can still see Mike with his white headband at the right front of the hot yoga room...
Dr. B: the man who not only believed and pushed us to be our best selves in school, but also to strive for the best outside of school :heart:
Thank you for not only being the best educator throughout undergraduate and DPT school, but also thank you for believing in me. I wouldn’t be where I am without & SDSU won’t be the same without you. I am reminded of what you taught me every single day. I already miss you and you smile that brought so much joy already. I’ll miss having tea with you in your office that was filled with so much love.
Professor Mike! I’m very grateful to have known you in personal and professional level. You’re so good to me and your family. You’re very passionate of what you do best and enjoyed teaching for life! You will be missed by so many…you truly have a heart of GOLD. Rest in Peace🙏🙏🙏
