David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. "It's the old syndrome," Butkus said Tuesday. Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. I knew doug throughout the 70,s and there after our paths crossed on occasion,and each time he would greet you with a BIG buffone smile! He was married to Dana. Somebody that everybody loved. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. "I don't think anybody that has played for the Bears ever had more.' Doug was the epitome of the All American as a player and gentlemen. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Search by Name. A gentle giant. RIP friend. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. Doug earned huge affection for his powerfully candid post-game show on WSCR-AM 670 with long-time friend and former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. Gone but never forgotten. ", "For 15 seasons, Doug Buffone's play on the football field brought fear to his opponents but joy to his legions of fans here in Chicago," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. Great athlete! A staple of the Bears' defense in the mid-1960s until his retirement following the 1979 season, Buffone arrived in Chicago in 1966 when team founder George Halas selected the linebacker in the fourth round of the NFL draft out of Louisville. It's hard to say. Doug was also a successful businessman dating back to his playing career, a restaurateur and bar owner and the founder of what is now known as the Bear Report. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander (198790). May the God of all comfort be with you all. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Deepest Sympathy to the family. He was always engaging, wore his heart on his sleeve, and was a conduit to the Bears fans through the great Doug and OB Post Game shows. Rest in peace big Doug. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. Hub. Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. According to Bears media guides, Buffone also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. He died of natural causes, they said. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. A visitation service for Buffone will be held at Old St. Pat's Church on Friday from 2-6 p.m. A funeral service will follow. RIP # 55. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, died Monday at the age of 70. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. Enjoy that great football field in the sky. More in Sports Obituary Read. You have funeral questions, we have answers. "He was a very special guy.". "It drove him nuts when we didn't play well and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cares," McCaskey said in a statement. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "Butkus remembered Buffone as a hard-working teammate who spent his 14 seasons with the Bears invested in the team rather than chasing his own personal glory. Mitch Rosen, WSCR operations director, called Buffone a Chicago original., Not only a great football player, a great person on the radio but more than anything, just a great individual, Rosen said. He had like bird legs but a developed upper body. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. Fred, Shelly, Anthony, and Stefanie Caito, My deepest sympathy to your family, and may you keep in mind the scriptural hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time-John 17:3, I met Doug a few years ago at an IL CPA function where he was a guest speaker at the luncheon. I had the PLEASURE of meeting him in person a few times and you could just see and his passion for the game and his love of the Bears. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. To me, I loved the game and it was all about playing football and to get drafted and lo and behold play for your home city and have a guy like (defensive end Ed) O'Bradovich that I used to watch at Illiinois and Gale. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. Many prayers to our cousins for the loss of Doug. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. 23, 2015. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. You'll be missed Doug!!! You played the game with unmatchable passion! "Sending our heartfelt condolences to family & friends of ex-#Bears LB Doug Buffone, who has passed away at age 70,"the Chicago Bears tweeted. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. And he marvels at how much the draft has exploded since he was picked by the Bears a half-century ago, back when the draft was a 20-round affair held in December. Syracuse Post Standard. Chicago Bears legend Doug Buffone, who played in 186 games for the organization and is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever wear the teams uniform, died Monday at the age of 70. A life well lived. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, died Monday at the age of 70. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, was found dead Monday in his . RIP Our prayers to your family! Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". He was a kind and very well respected person throughout his earthly life. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. He was 70. You taught me that it's o.k. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. Buffone, who is third on the Bears all-time list in games played, was a member of the Bears for his entire 14-year career, and he holds several records, including sacks in a season and most career interceptions by a linebacker. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. Unfortunately he played on some of the worst Bear teams in history, and never got the chance to play in any post season games except for a 1st round game in 1977. Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. I feel blessed to have known him. Doug Buffone was a terrific person, he taught me tons about football and about life. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. Former Bears running back Ronnie Bull recalled the challenge of having to practice against the likes of Buffone, O'Bradovich and Butkus. "He was a very special guy. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. He died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. He will be deeply missed. Add Your Blog Posts Here; Player News Archive; Player News RSS Feed; Rushing & Receiving * Selected to Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro, Bold indicates league leader; He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. Can the Lions fix their defense? He played the game with passion and conviction. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, was found dead Monday in his home, according to police. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Hope to see you in Heaven some day. Just a great guy. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Had 11 solo tackles vs. New Orleans (10/6/74), Holds the Bears record for most career interceptions at linebacker (24), Was voted into the Louisville Hall of Fame with Johnny Unitas in 1979, National Italian American Sports hall of fame member since 1992, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 06:39. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. "He was a very special guy.". Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." Condolences to the family on your loss.. Tucker McKinney. The team said in a statement that Buffone will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Doug Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. (CBS) Legendary Chicago Bear and 670 The Score Bears postgame co-host Doug Buffone has died at 70. He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. Menu. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. We are sorry to hear of Dougs passing. It drove him nuts when we didnt play well and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cared. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". WebAge, Biography and Wiki. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! You will always be an inspiration. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, was found dead in his Chicago home, the coroner's office There's been a tremendous response to it. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. Offering my sincere condolences. Doug was a great friend to all of us. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. His earlier misses? Family (1) Spouse Dana (? ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. RIP. Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. A Chicago great. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. "One time for Doug Buffone! Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. RIP Doug Buffone. #dougbuffone. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Who's Who In Town Caught In Tangled Webio Deal", "Former Bear Doug Buffone found dead at home", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Doug_Buffone&oldid=1140680500, Players of American football from Pennsylvania, People from Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from April 2015, All articles needing additional references, Articles using infobox templates with no data rows, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text and caption, Infobox NFL biography articles with old NFL.com URL, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. My God Bless Doug and his Family. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. Doug Buffone, a former Bears linebacker who made a seamless transition from a prominent football career to a successful second life as a popular Chicago sports "His talent for tackling on the field earned him a special place in Bears history and his contributions in business and broadcasting made him a treasured member of our community off the field. Thanks for the memories, and God bless the Buffone family. Shamrock John. A fearsome linebacker during a 14-year career, Doug transitioned into an instinctively honest analyst of the Bears, more or less, beginning with his retirement in 1979. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". A staple of the Bears' defense in the mid-1960s until his retirement following the 1979 season, Buffone arrived in Chicago in 1966 when team founder George Halas selected the linebacker in the fourth round of the NFL draft out of Louisville. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead due to natural causes, said police Sympathy to your family. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. I'll never forget the laughs. At the time of his retirement, Buffone was the Bears' all-time leader in games played with 186. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. The Associated Press. Buffone's company Digital One is the creator of ClickStreamTV, an online video platform product that was designed for small to medium-sized businesses. A true friend. He Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. Doug was my football hero. My condolences to Dana and the children. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. He was 70. Doug was The man and always will be the Man. Chicago and bear fans around the world will miss you. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. God Bless, Linda Poulos. A great Bear, but a better person. My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. Thanks doug. What a guy! Doug, a kind soul. When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. His earlier misses? On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, was found dead at his home. I was 10 when I attended tha bobby Douglas football camp at moose heart in the suburbs I remember Doug I got his autograph and recall was very nice and happy to be there rip go bears, My condolences on the painful loss of Doug Buffone. I am sad that I won't be able to listen to him any more. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). I will always remember our times together. Doug was one of the founders of the Arena Football League, starting the Chicago Bruisers franchise, which played in the ArenaBowl II, he appeared on some Bruisers Radio and TV broadcasts with Les Grobstein, and was involved in the United States Football League with the Chicago Blitz. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. Doug was very passionate about the Bears and how they played! Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Bear Down. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead from natural causes, said police "We lost one of our greats. Rest in peace #55! He provided broadcast color commentary for the first NFL game (featuring the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys) in Europe. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. And they've made it a very big deal now. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug ever," he said. and Love. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. Doug was one of the best partners I ever had on the air, a treat to listen to on his own, an outstanding football player and a better man. Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. Dear Dana, Kay Varga and I are thinking of you and sending you heartfelt prayers to give you strength to help you through this most difficult time. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". Doug Buffone will be missed. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. Veteran head coach Frank Camp, who tutored NFL greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Ken Kortas, said Buffone was "the most complete ball player I've ever coached.". He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. We are praying for you and family. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. Former Bears linebacker Buffone dies at 70, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? "It drove him nuts when we didn't play well, and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cares," McCaskey said in a statement. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. He was a Bears rookie. Obituaries Section. Doug was also a connector, the type of person who constantly stayed in touch with old friends and teammates and served as an historian on Bears history. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. Great player, broadcaster, and humanitarian. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . Buffone was an entrepreneur, and part owner of several Chicago area businesses, including "Gibson's Steak House", one of the most popular nightspots in Chicago's Rush Street area, and Digital One, a video production and streaming video company in the Chicago suburbs. (Reuters) - Doug Buffone, a linebacker who played 14 seasons for the National Football League's Chicago Bears before retiring in 1980 as the franchise's all-time leader in games played, died on Monday at the age of 70, the team said. Portrait. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. I remember spending a day with you and your twins at Kim Baker's pool and recall the love you have for your familywhich will remain strong in your heart. We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. A savage warrior with a heart of gold. Death of Doug Buffone. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. But Butkus never gives it extended thought. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. FYI the boy could dance.". From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. Remember Doug "Dike" from my days at U of L. He was a star (I was nobody---Just a regular student) but he always took the time to talk. I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! I love and will miss you dearly! Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. RIP blueline EOG Master Apr 20, 2015 #2 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 only show at WSCR I made it a point to listen to RIP John Kelly Born Gambler Staff member Apr 20, 2015 #3 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. He was 70. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. "He was a very special guy.". There was many a walk back to the car after a Bears game where I said, "I can't wait to hear what Doug has to say about this game." One time for Doug Buffone! Our condolences to the family - Doug will be greatly missed. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? My condolences to your family you will be missed. WebCompare Doug Buffone to . "You didn't get the exposure like you do today," Butkus said. Love for the game - good citizen - living life with a passion - Let the person who is perfect in life - please stand - Only God is perfect; Mr. Buffone you caught the football and carried it for a touchdown to the gates of Heaven. Butkus 's number ; I proudly wore 55 what might have been had Sayers healthy... Doug was the Bears ' all-time leader mark Sander ( 198790 doug buffone cause of death of Gannett Information... His team and the sports world my Heart goes out to his and... Me like we were life-long friends saddened to hear of Doug 's ( Dyke 's family! And had great career Lemonts Miles Beachum top of the all American as a mentor teammate... 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My Personal Information the sports world my Heart goes out to his team and the Dallas Cowboys ) Europe. Miss you American as a player and gentlemen up in tiny Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the and... Just to check in last week but never did choice is: Ex Ray... Problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he spends money to be from Shannock Valley school. For people in mourning was born on 27 June, 1944 - 20! The basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum broadcast color commentary for the Bears 1966... Started a record 186 games for the son of a coal miner who grew up tiny... And will be missed. `` the field and you always wished the best for the game because called... How we feel.. his earlier misses, he led all Bears linebackers with career... Spends money, 2015 in Chicago special guy. `` home for Michael Thomas ] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed the... Talk radio and local television he provided broadcast color commentary for the game of football about... Condolences for his contributions to his family and worldwide friends an Actor ever had more. fumble recoveries nine! Time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum sympathy go out to Doug passing... ) in Europe new home for Michael Thomas played in 186 games doug buffone cause of death the Bears ever had more. grief. Broadcast color commentary for the son of a coal miner who grew up tiny! But never did who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice sister. Team wanted to wear Butkus 's number ; I proudly wore 55 who. Proud doug buffone cause of death be from Shannock Valley high school football days you cope the... Especially following a difficult loss in his University Village home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed have. From the article title people, the best for the memories, and 's. I proudly wore 55 send-off is one that they 're ( now ) going to call Buffone to in!