Born on Providence’s East Side, he was the son of the late Michael and Pauline (Zloty) Buben.
George graduated from Hope High School in 1955. During those high school years he gravitated to civics and acquired an affinity for the Republican Party. Over his lifetime he campaigned for, and celebrated, the victories of Presidents Nixon, Reagan and Trump.
Quick with a joke and long with a fable, George loved to tell of his time as a parking lot attendant at the R.I. Auditorium when he had the opportunity to park his idol, Rocky Marciano’s Cadillac prior to one of the champ’s many bouts. Then there was the one about when he got to serve Hollywood starlet Dorothy Lamour while waitering at the Biltmore. There were many more.
It was also in 1955 that George went on his first date with Marie, taking her to his old haunt, The Auditorium, to see the Ice Capades. Something must have gone right because Marie saved the program and the two began a romance that lasted 65 years.
George’s career was in office supplies and stationery sales. He worked for APCO Stationers and Printers on Benefit Street in Providence, Lindberg Office Supplies in East Greenwich, and Capitol Stationery Co. in Cranston. He and Marie also owned Colony Stationery and Printing where George would pitch, and Marie would design, printing needs of all kinds.
Along the way George volunteered years as a coach, equipment manager and Vice President of the Mt. Pleasant Little League where he was most proud of implementing a rule requiring every team member to play at least two innings every game, regardless of ability. He cared about the kids, but the kids loved him more.
George and Marie had two children, a daughter, Jane, followed by a son, Mark. He was challenged by the goings on of the Rock N’Roll era which was the 70’s, while raising a teenage daughter, and was thankful for Marie’s steadying influence. With Mark, sports, and in particular their love of baseball, was the common denominator.
Card playing was a unifying force for the Buben family. No holiday passed without a Hi-Lo Jack game, but you had better bring your A game. Though debate would arise as to who was the best player, in the end, George was the true master. For George, sitting at a poker table, whether in a casino on a tropical island or with the Friday night crew in Smithfield, was where he found true joy. When George could no longer make it to the Friday game, the game went to George at Capitol Ridge.
With the arrival of granddaughters Julia and Mia, George was fortunate enough to be able to retire and become “UU,” his adopted nickname. It was in that role that George was at his best. A kid at heart, he and Marie created the daily adventure of “Camp Buben.” The girls must have taken a sworn oath of secrecy of the goings on at “Camp Buben.” What we do know is that with the passing of years Julia became a wiz at “Bubenmonopoly” and George was never able to beat Mia at blackjack.
With those mischievous blue eyes and ever present smile, ”Oh, George”, as Marie would sigh, was one of a kind.
He was the loving father of Mark T. Buben and his wife Toni and Jane Robison and her husband William H. Robison and cherished grandfather of Julia and Mia. He was also the brother of Joseph Buben, Barbara Marciarille and the late Michael and Raymond Buben.
His visitation and funeral will be held Monday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the PONTARELLI-MARINO FUNERAL HOME, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Our Lady of Grace Church, 15 George Waterman Road, Johnston. Burial to follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's memory to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.
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