Michael Joseph Buono's Obituary
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, father, son, brother, educator and friend, is survived by his wife, Shelly; daughter, Kristen; mother, Helen; brother, Ron; sister-in-law, Leesa; niece, Taylor; and son-in-law, Armeen. Upon graduation from Dover High School in New Jersey, Michael earned a bachelor’s degree and ran track at East Stroudsburg State College in Pennsylvania. He then went on to complete his masters in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, followed by a doctorate in Animal Physiology with an emphasis in humans at the University of Arizona, Tucson. After he completed his doctorate, he married Shelly and moved to San Diego and joined the faculty at San Diego State University (SDSU) in 1982. He remained on the faculty as a full professor in the School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences for more than 40 years until his untimely passing. Michael was a beloved member of the SDSU community during his 40+ year career. He lived a life full of curiosity, eagerness, kindness, and had a genuine desire to help all of those around him achieve their very best. Close colleagues and friends, of which there are many, say Michael was “great at seeing the big picture and appreciating life.” He cared greatly about students and was recognized by many as “the best teacher I ever had.” Michael valued and desired to teach his students to think creatively and to encourage them to use novel ways to demonstrate their knowledge. We benefited from his stories, humor, and the countless ways he showed the importance of community and connection. Michael had a special gift of brightening your day every time you saw him. When not teaching or researching at SDSU, Michael was an avid Coronado lawn bowler, participated in hot yoga at San Diego Yoga Center for 15 years, played his guitar nearly every day, and enjoyed hiking and exploring both local trails and national parks. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students and the community at large. A private celebration of life is being held in Michael’s honor. Donations can be made to the SDSU scholarship in his name that will benefit future students within the department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences. You can donate here: philanthropy.sdsu.edu/DrMichaelBuono
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